Issue Details: First known date: 2001... 2001 More Than a Reader and Less Than a Critic : Literary Authority and Women's Book-Discussion Groups
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'The phenomenon of women reading books collaboratively is largely invisible, and certainly under-researched. This study, based on extensive circulation figures and on a small sample of members of four Council of Adult Education reading groups in metropolitan Melbourne, argues that such groups have a reading repertoire which is seriously middlebrow, far removed from the "wish-fulfillment" or "lazy reader" stereotypes purveyed by some who would scorn such groups. The study finds that such groups are sensitively served by the institution which hosts them. While such groups do not question the aesthetic assumptions that underlie their practice, they are combative with some manifestations of the literary establishment. Their powerful preferences for contemporary Australian women's fiction and their participation in global debates via identity politics suggests they warrant closer examination, both within Australian culture, and to find out if such groups have counterparts in other cultures.' -- Publication abstract.

Notes

  • Over My Tracks is mentioned as an example of Australian non-fiction that the women in the book-discussion groups took pride in discovering (577).

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 30 Nov 2007 12:47:00
571-585 More Than a Reader and Less Than a Critic : Literary Authority and Women's Book-Discussion Groupssmall AustLit logo Women's Studies International Forum
Subjects:
  • Victoria,
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