Adventurous Literary Footsteps
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 5
14 July - 10 August 2008 ] By Silvia Dropulich
We are in a phase of Australia’s cultural life where commercial pressures are intensifying and the online space is dynamic – so it is precisely now that a refined literary journal such as Meanjin has so much potential, according to its new editor, Sophie Cunningham.
Australia’s longest running literary journal, Meanjin now appears under the Melbourne University Publishing (MUP) banner. The newly-released June edition is the first to be produced under Cunningham’s editorship.
“Meanjin will continue to connect its readers to the myriad stories and experiences that, when read alongside each other, describe what it is to be Australian – and that description is, as it should be, in a constant state of flux,” writes Cunningham in her editorial opening.
“In upcoming Meanjins expect more of an interaction between words and text,” she says.
“Expect to laugh. Expect writers you haven’t heard of before and to read established writers writing about unexpected things.
“And expect some things to stay the same.”
Cunningham, who shares previous editors’ interests in history and memoir, plans to reprint some articles from the early issues of the journal.
Meanjin will no longer be themed and there will be an essay by a book designer in each issue, which will tell the story behind a particular book cover – or discuss the design process more generally.
In the current edition Cunningham speaks to Luke Davies about his new novel, God of Speed, and on switching between genres.
The first extract of six from Kate Fielding’s graphic history Their hooks find hold deep in our flesh is also included. Cunningham is keen to serialise a novel.
In September Cunningham plans to reintroduce a News Reel section to present current affairs and shorter pieces of writing. Future editions will include a series of essays on Australian cultural institutions and there are other plans afoot, including developing more of an online presence and digesting Meanjin’s archives.
“I am Meanjin’s eighth editor,” says Cunningham. “While following in their footsteps is daunting, the footsteps that will take Meanjin forward are those laid down by Clem Christesen [who began the journal in 1940. “He once said he wanted Meanjin to ‘make clear the connection between literature and politics’. So do I – let’s see where those footsteps take us next.”
For further information about Meanjin see: www.meanjin.unimelb.edu.au
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