Tasmania, for its size and population, has a flourishing literary culture. Its history offers an eventful literary background with visits from early explorers such as the Dutchman Abel Tasman, the Frenchmen Bruni d'Entrecasteaux and Marion du Fresne and then the Englishmen Matthew Flinders and George Bass. Colonisation coincided with deteriorated relations with indigenous Aboriginal people and a harsh convict heritage.[1] These events in Tasmanian history are found in a large number of colonial sandstone buildings and in place names. Environmentally, the landscapes and changeable weather provide a vivid literary backdrop. Tasmania's geographical isolation, creative community,[2][3] proximity to Antarctica, controversial past, bourgeoning arts reputation,[4] and island status all contribute to its significant literature.[5][2][6] Many fiction and non-fiction authors call Tasmania home,[7] and many acclaimed titles are set there or written by Tasmanians. The journal of letters Island magazine appears quarterly. Tasmania's government provides arts funding in the form of prizes, events and grants.[8] Bookshops contribute book launches and other literary events.[9] Tasmania's unique history and environment gave rise to Tasmanian Gothic literature in the 19th century.

Notable Tasmanian authors and poets

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In birth order:

Notable Tasmanian books

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In publication order:

Tasmanian Literary Awards

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ian McCausland, "Tasmania", World Book.
  2. ^ a b Wirsu, Piia (19 April 2017). "Tasmanian author tops prestigious literary prize". The Examiner. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Book inspired by Marina Abramović takes out 2017 Stella Prize". ABC News. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  4. ^ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/the-mona-effect-towns-want-in-on-david-walshs-museum-act/news-story/f803dae3f027a31eb59e4a461303e345 .
  5. ^ Nancy Pearl, Book Lust, Sasquatch Books:Seattle, 2003.
  6. ^ Crane, Ralph (7 April 2015). "The Flanagan effect: Tasmanian literature in the limelight". The Conversation. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  7. ^ The Tasmanian Writers Centre, "The Tasmanian Writers Centre". Archived from the original on 7 June 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  8. ^ Arts Tasmania "Arts Tasmania - Tasmania literary prizes". Archived from the original on 28 May 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  9. ^ The Tasmanian Writers Centre, [1].
  10. ^ https://petehaywriter.wordpress.com/ .
  11. ^ "JH".

Further reading

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  • Alexander, Alison, ed. (2005). The Companion to Tasmanian History. Hobart, Tasmania: Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies, University of Tasmania. ISBN 1-86295-223-X. OCLC 61888464.
  • Robson, L. L. (1983). A History of Tasmania. Volume I. Van Diemen's Land From the Earliest Times to 1855. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-554364-5.
  • Robson, L. L. (1991). A History of Tasmania. Volume II. Colony and State From 1856 to the 1980s. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-553031-4.
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