this is a blog promoting australian poetry books & criticism; first off the shelf
is geraldine mckenzies duty. why duty? it was an unconscious choice, the purpose of the blog is partly to discover why. despite favourable reviews, what is the context -- if any -- that such a book -- any poetry book -- finds itself in in australia on publication? what reading culture does it enter? can a reading culture exist without a supportive critical culture? the complaints are familiar: not enough reviews, not enough critical reviews. there is little in the way of general poetry criticism, or criticism that goes beyond the cramped review. many books get 1, 2 or no reviews. what is the meaning of prizes in such a culture? this blog can't attempt to fill the gap, but it can offer a forum to discuss such matters, as well as take a considered look at recent australian poetry.