ABR welcomes concise and pertinent letters. Correspondents should note that letters may be edited. They must reach us by the middle of the current month. Emailed letters must include a telephone number for verification.

Responses to Peter Craven

Dear Editor,

I expected a spray from Peter Craven in response to my review of The Best Australian Stories 2001, but such a display of self-importance from an editor and critic is alarming (‘Letters’, ABR, March 2002). I had imagined he would be willing to reflect on the poor reviews he received for the latest volumes of Best Essays and Best Stories and to consider the possibility that plumping up the books with samples of writing not yet ready for publication is not working. 

Perhaps, it belatedly occurs to me, Craven does not get it. Editors have a responsibility to authors – especially those whose work is still in a fluid state. These books are claiming to be the year’s best Australian writing, and my ‘oh so Australian perspective’ tells me they are something else.

Hilary McPhee, Fitzroy, Vic.