AustLit

'The archives of the Australian firm of Angus & Robertson reveal ways in which publishers act as cultural gatekeepers to the society in which they live. The books that the founder, George Robertson, published form part of the bedrock on which Australian literature and history is grounded. The author of this article examines these texts and their original manuscripts so as to document the way in which Robertson influenced Australian legends of male mateship, egalitarianism and the independent Australian girl. The body of work Robertson proudly commissioned, edited, published and distributed helped to shape and crystallise a national cultural identity.' - (abstract, p.26)