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Issue Details: First known date: 2014... 2014 The Myth of Patrick White’s Anti-Suburbanism
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‘Any detailed examination of suburbia in the Australian novel must address the work of White, who published two novels in the 1960s that arc widely considered classic examples of anti-suburbanism in Australian literature: Riders in the Chariot (1961) and The Solid Mandala (1966). This essay is based broadly on my research for my recent book regarding Patrick White's engagement with suburbia: Exploring Suburbia: The Suburbs in the Contemporary Australian Novel (2012). However, where the book focuses on The Solid Mandala, in this chapter, the focus is solely on Riders in the Chariot. The invitation to present this segment at the Conference enabled me to test my research directly on an international group of specialists in White studies through this discussion. (The book itself was also launched in India, at the Centenary conference in I lydcrabad in November 2012). ’ (Introduction)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

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    y separately published work icon Patrick White Centenary : The Legacy of a Prodigal Son Cynthia Van Den Driesen (editor), Bill Ashcroft (editor), Newcastle upon Tyne : Cambridge Scholars Press , 2014 7902410 2014 anthology criticism

    'This volume marks the birth centenary of a giant amongst contemporary writers: the Australian Nobel prize-winning novelist, Patrick White (1912–1990). It proffers an invaluable insight into the current state of White studies through commentaries drawn from an international galaxy of eminent critics, as well as from newer talents. The book proves that interest in White’s work continues to grow and diversify.

    'Every essay offers a new insight: some are re-evaluations by seasoned critics who revise earlier positions significantly; others admit new light onto what has seemed like well-trodden terrain or focus on works perhaps undervalued in the past—his poetry, an early short story or novel—which are now subjected to fresh attention. His posthumous work has also won attention from prominent critics. New comparisons with other international writers have been drawn in terms of subject matter, themes and philosophy.

    'The expansion of critical attention into fields like photography and film opens new possibilities for enhancing further appreciation of his work. White’s interest in public issues such as the treatment of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, human rights and Australian nationalism is refracted through the inclusion of relevant commentaries from notable contributors.

    'For the first time in Australian literary history, Indigenous scholars have participated in a celebration of the work of a white Australian writer. All of this highlights a new direction in White studies – the appreciation of his stature as a public intellectual. The book demonstrates that White’s legacy has limitless possibilities for further growth.' (Publisher's abstract)

    Newcastle upon Tyne : Cambridge Scholars Press , 2014
    pg. 98-109
Last amended 7 Jun 2017 12:06:52
98-109 The Myth of Patrick White’s Anti-Suburbanismsmall AustLit logo
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