This work investigates the development and distinct characteristics of the Australian literary tradition within the context of its unique landscape and colonial history. Geoffrey Dutton, a prominent Australian poet, critic, and editor, utilizes his extensive background in the local publishing industry to analyze how Australian writers have grappled with the tension between European heritage and the realities of the Australian environment. The book argues that a national identity emerged through the specific ways authors articulated their relationship with the land and the social structures of the continent.

Scholars and critics frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the evolution of Australian letters. Readers often note the accessible yet insightful prose that bridges the gap between academic analysis and general literary appreciation.