Celebrating 85 years! Let’s look back with a critical eye—and look forward with renewed curiosity. What has publication in Meanjin meant for some of our finest writers? How has their practice developed, how has Australia evolved, and how does that first piece read today? An eclectic and impactful group of writers—including Gaja Kerry Charlton, Peter Craven, Sarah Holland-Batt, John Kinsella, Ellen van Neerven, π.O., Bruce Pascoe, Sara M. Saleh and Christos Tsiolkas—reflect with generosity on the evolution of their practice. Enriching that critical approach is our feature interview with Meanjin’s founding editor, Clem Christesen (1911-2003): expect a fiery set of provocations drawing on decades of editorials that ‘make clear the connection between art and politics.’ This historic edition of Australia’s leading literary journal will rapidly become a collector’s item. Embrace Australia’s finest writers.

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