In December 1940, editor Clem Christesen published the first edition of Meanjin … a slim volume of Queensland poetry. It was a publication for which he imagined a significant role in Australian culture. We’ve republished his first edition editorial in the new Summer 2020 edition of the magazine, along with reflections from all of Meanjin’s past editors.
Clem would go on to edit Meanjin until 1974, a sterling effort, one that almost matches Meanjin’s own impressive longevity. 80 years … it’s a long time in Australian publishing and a span through which Meanjin has continued to bring readers the finest in Australian thoughts and words.
Slowly but surely we are uploading gems from the Meanjin archive to our website, and bringing some of them to new readers through our Meanjin Daily Reading email newsletter.
Of course, the work of publishing new writing continues. Each edition of the magazine brings the work of around 40 Australian writers to an enthusiastic and growing audience. We are tremendously grateful and thrilled that Meanjin has managed to greet its 80th anniversary in robust health. Thank you to all of our readers, writers and supporters for being a part of the Meanjin family, and therefore part of this grand literary endeavour.
