"The Oxford Literary History of Australia is an up-to-date reference for readers, writers, teachers, and students. The contributors - drawn from a range of backgrounds and geographical locations - rethink the landscapes of Australian literature in an engaging style and take into account contemporary theories of literature and associated art forms. All of them have demonstrated expertise in literary-historical research and a capacity to write clearly and engagingly. Their aim is to produce a highly readable and authoritative reference guide." "The Oxford Literary History of Australia tells many stories. In the opening section the initial phase in the life of language in Australia is explored through the settling-in of English and its interaction with Aboriginal languages. The last section takes up this story again by outlining the unsettling of English in the face of changing technologies, trade and immigration patterns, and institutional pressures."--Jacket.