Cirrus@Austlit

The article studies the first decade of the Society of Women Writers (est. 1925), thus providing an insight into the cultural and social milieu of its founding members. It also 'charts the change in the working life of women writers from casual contributors of articles, stories and poetry to the formative years of full-time paid employment in journalism and, for some, publication in book form' (362). In attempting to reconstruct the cultural history of women between the world wars, the author has accessed archival material such as committee minutes, annual reports and other non-traditional sources. Her findings illuminate not only the social environment and class base of the society, but also the growing significance and contribution of women in promoting Australian literature. A checklist at the end of the article gives biographical details of the foundation members of the Society, among them many authors of note.