Vignette 141: Maxwell Harris' letters

Max Harris (1921–1995) AO is generally regarded as the founding father of Australian modernism in the arts. Born in Adelaide in 1921 and educated at the University, Harris published his first book of poetry at the age of 19. During the 1940s, he founded and edited the avant-garde literary magazine, Angry Penguins, which would have a lasting influence on artists such as John Perceval, Sidney Nolan and the brothers, Arthur and David Boyd. 

Harris is often remembered for the Ern Malley hoax of 1944. He was taken in by conservative writers submitting verse in mockery of modernist poetry. Harris thought the poems, written to be bad, were brilliant and devoted an entire edition of Angry Penguins to the fictitious writer. When the truth came to light, not only was Harris the subject of public embarrassment, but modernism suffered a setback lasting years. In time, the Ern Malley poems were celebrated, and even inspired the work of other creative minds like writer Peter Carey. 

Harris was a pioneer publisher of modern Australian poets, novelists, and intellectuals. He became one of the best known booksellers in Australia through his Mary Martin Bookshop. 

The University has been gifted numerous items from Harris, including papers from Australian Letters and Arthur Boyd paintings commissioned in 1961. His collection remains a valuable resource for burgeoning critical and visionary minds.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Preserving a legacy.  p.189