- Tasmanian literature
Auculture
Tasmania , given its small geographic size and population has a strong literary culture. Historically Tasmania provides an interesting literary background with visits from early European explorers such as the DutchmanAbel Tasman , the FrenchmenBruni d'Entrecasteaux andMarion du Fresne and then the English explorersMatthew Flinders andGeorge Bass . The colonisation of Tasmania was characterised by deteriorated relations with the indigenous Aboriginal people and a harsh convict heritage. [McCausland, Ian. 'Tasmania', "World Book", ] These early elements of Tasmanian history are found both in the large number of colonial sandstone buildings and in the place names. Environmentally, Tasmania's picturesque landscapes and changeable weather, provide a vivid pictorial backdrop to Tasmanian literary culture. Tasmania's geographical isolation, proximity to Antarctica, controversial colonial past and status as an island state are some of the characteristically 'Tasmanian' themes found in the island's literature. [Nancy Pearl, "Book Lust", Sasquatch Books:Seattle, 2003.]Currently, many authors call Tasmania home, ["The Tasmanian Writers Centre", http://www.tasmanianwriters.org/readtasmania_stuv.htm] and there is a growing number of titles set in Tasmania or by Tasmanians. There are also two literary publications of note including the quarterly "Island" magazine and the bi-monthly "
Famous Reporter ". The Tasmanian government provides some arts funding in the form of prizes, events and grants ["Arts Tasmania"http://www.arts.tas.gov.au/projects/litprizes/index.htm] , while local bookshops often host book launches or other literary events. ["The Tasmanian Writers Centre", http://www.tasmanianwriters.org] The Tasmanian literary scene also includes children's books such as "Tiger Tale ".Notable Tasmanian Authors and Poets
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Reverend John West
*Louisa Ann Meredith
*Marcus Clarke
*"Tasma" (Jessie Couvreur)
*Stephen Edgar (Poet)
*Richard Flanagan
*Martin Flanagan
*Christopher Koch
*Katherine Scholes
*Nan Chauncy Notable Tasmanian Books
*"History of Tasmania", 1852, by the Reverend John West
*"Notes and Sketches of New South Wales", 1844 by Louisa Ann Meredith
*"My Residence in Tasmania", 1852, by Louisa Anne Meredith
*"Bush Friends in Tasmania", 1860 and 1891, by Louisa Anne Meredith
*"For the Term of His Natural Life " by Marcus Clarke
*"Uncle Piper of Piper's Hill", 1889 by "Tasma"
*"Out of Ireland " by Christopher Koch
*"The sound of one hand clapping " by Richard FlanaganTasmanian Literary Awards
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Tasmania Book Prize
*Margaret Scott Prize
*University of Tasmania Prize ee also
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Music in Tasmania
*Geography of Tasmania
*List of Australian novelists
*List of Australian poets External links
*http://www.tasmanianwriters.org
*http://www.islandmag.comReferences
Further reading
*Alexander, Alison (editor) (2005)"The
Companion to Tasmanian History "Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart. ISBN 186295223X.
*Robson, L.L. (1983) "A history of Tasmania. Volume 1. Van Diemen's Land from the earliest times to 1855"Melbourne, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195543645.
*Robson, L.L. (1991) "A history of Tasmania. Volume II. Colony and state from 1856 to the 1980s" Melbourne, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195530314.
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