Sunday newspapers are full of oddities, but the Sunday Age of 20 May 2007 contained a most curious story about Meanjin, whose future has been the subject of much rumour and conjecture in recent months. Nestled against yet another outsize story about Harry Potter was an article by Carmel Egan about the future of Meanjin, ‘the tiny but influential literary magazine’ which has been published since 1940. Ms Egan reported that the Meanjin board has recommended to the University of Melbourne that Melbourne University Publishing (like Meanjin, a wholly owned subsidiary of the university) should ‘take over administration and distribution “in the best interests” of the magazine’, and that a decision on Meanjin’s future will be made by the university’s board of management – ‘within the next two months’.

Professor Kate Darian-Smith, Chair of the Meanjin board, was quoted as saying, ‘The board has made a recommendation with the best interests of the journal in mind. The decision was made to ensure the growth of the circulation and strength of the journal.’

Two features of Ms Egan’s article are curious, to say the least. First, the glib headline, ‘New Parent for Ailing University Magazine’. Meanjin, throughout its long history, has been rather more than just a ‘university magazine’; instead, a central player in our national cultural life, and a preferred publisher for generations of essayists, poets, fiction writers and others. As for ‘ailing’ – tell that to its loyal readership and to the numerous critics and commentators who have praised the magazine in recent years. These include Geordie Williamson, who says positive things about the current issue of Meanjin in his review on page fifty-one. Ian Britain’s six-year editorship of Meanjin is widely regarded as being one of the most inspired tenures in the magazine’s history.

Second, Advances was surprised by Professor Darian-Smith’s suggestion that ‘the continued employment of editor Ian Britain … would not be affected by the MUP takeover’. We understand that Dr Britain’s contract ends at the end of July and that he has neither been reappointed nor informed if and when his position will be advertised. Whether he will choose to apply remains to be seen.

That Meanjin’s future is uncertain at this juncture is a matter of considerable surprise and concern.

Cornucopia on the Murray

The Mildura Writers’ festival is always enjoyable, but this year’s programme looks almost ridiculously full. Any festival in the world would be happy to present J.M. Coetzee and Les Murray, two of our most internationally successful writers. Coetzee will deliver La Trobe University’s Dean’s Lecture on Sunday, July 22. Other guests will include Patrice Newell, Carrie Tiffany, Barry Hill and Peter Goldsworthy. Judith Bishop, winner of the second ABR Poetry Prize, will be there too. In all, a superbly varied line-up at this small but famously convivial and stimulating literary festival. The dates are July 19–22. For information of bookings contact: (03) 5021 5100 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Clendinnen’s humanistic influence

Inga Clendinnen, another guest at the Mildura’ Writers’ Festival, has been named ‘Australian Humanist of the Year 2007’ at a function of the Council of Australian Humanist Societies. The award was given ‘in recognition of the humanistic influence of her lectures and writings’. Clendinnen’s latest book, Agamemnon’s Kiss, was shortlisted for the Kibble Award ($20,000) at the Nita B. Kibble Literary Award for Women Writers. The latter award, worth $20,000, was presented in May to Deborah Robertson for her novel, Careless, which has also been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.

Lee Marvin in Adelaide

Poetry readings can be tenuous undertakings these days, but Ken Bolton seems to have got the format right in his series of Lee Marvin readings in the splendidly named Gallery de la Catessen in Anster Street, Adelaide. On each Tuesday in alternate months, four or five writers – seated in the window of an old shop like intelligent mannequins – read poetry or prose. June highlights include: Aidan Coleman and Peter Goldsworthy (June 5); Cath Keneally and Petra White (June 12); Jeri Kroll and Simon Robb (June 19); and Mike Ladd and Ken Bolton himself (June 26). Readings commence at 8 p.m. and cost $5. Space is always tight, so arrive early.