Literary paradise lost in Australia

Peter Holbrook writes in The Australian lamenting the death of 'imaginative writing' in Australia, and about the latest news is 'that the University of Sydney will soon possess the sole remaining chair in Australian literature' and how it 'signals a genuine crisis in our literary culture.'

"I suspect … that the formal study of literature generally is imperilled at most levels of the educational system. How much classic English literature of any kind is now vigorously and creatively taught by well-trained experts anywhere in Australia?" he says.

It is not just classics by English speaking writers that appear to be imperilled. "... I doubt Euripides, Dante or Chekhov are faring any better."

He ends with a warning: "For if the formal study of great literature, ancient and modern, is neglected, the outlook for literary creativity here is dim. A significant literary culture needs educated readers, discriminating and cosmopolitan critics, informed editors and sound scholars. Every substantial creative writer was once an enthusiastic reader. No readers, no writers."

Full story: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20922771-7583,00.html