This volume is also concerned in many ways with new/ lost/ neglected Australian narratives, with (their) place, and with the narratives importance of remembering.
But its main thrust is to celebrate with gratitude the work of a distinguished folklorist, John Meredith, who turned eighty this year, and is unquestionably Australia's most important and prolific collector. For, by virtue of the time of his birth, his life circumstances and his remarkable ear for the significant, has given Australian folk music and folk song a definition and shape which they could not have attained otherwise.
John Meredith is, and will remain, a precious 'icon' of Australian folk culture, however much he will undoubtedly deplore this often over-bestowed term of reverence. His achievements are innumerable, his energies splendidly directed and his patience and selfless dedication inspirational to us all.The example he sets us is doubly important at a time when there is, regrettably, a general Australian movement away from collecting , to channel very considerable organization and energies into ever larger festivals, particularly in eastern Australia.
There is also in this more British input, notably from Simon Heywood and Dee Dyas, as well as more material on storytelling movements there and elsewhere.
This present issue includes in its contents:
- six pieces about or by John Meredith;
- two long pieces on storytelling; and two on Lore and Tradition;
- journeys and (far) places also have 5; and
- there are other surprising items from far afield.
The numerous book reviews and comments items are particularly rich, in both the Australian and International and Comparative categories.; and there is the usual generous illustrative matter, photographs, sketches ,and illustrative of such folk activities as quilting.
This is a particularly rich issue, with material from North America, as well as the 6 countries already indicated.
Articles of Particular Interest
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