On this day...

Australian Day is traditionally celebrated in honour of the first landing of the first fleet in 1788, and the hoisting of the British flag. It follows that the day also celebrates the culture of the country, including the vast array of literature it has produced. Early written works often fell into the category of daring, reflecting the pioneering spirit of pushing the outback frontiers and accurately preserving the Australian dialect. The next advancement, came in the shape of the explosion of poetry. The boom included Henry Lawson, the first Australian writer to receive a state funeral, and Adam Lindsay Gordon, the first and only to be honoured with a monument in Poet's Corner. Yet, naturally, Australia's most famous literary names are to be found in prose. Patrick White, founder of an eponymous award, received the Nobel Pize for Literature in 1973 and six years later followed his most famous work, 'The Twyborn Affair'. Another, and probably the most well known, Australian author, is Thomas Keneally, author of Booker Prize winner 'Schindler's Ark'; later adapted for the film 'Schindler's List'.

Australian legends get stamp of approval....

Australian literary legends are to become the latest figures to be immortalised in stamp form. The writers featured include Booker Prize winner Peter Carey, and Bryce Courtenay, author of 'Power in One'. Arguably the most famous of the 'Australian Legends of the Written Word' series, is Thomas Keneally, author of 'Schindler's Ark'. He commented that the honour 'reminds you of all the teachers who said "you'll never go anywhere, son"', adding  that he was 'glad they are self-adhesive because it prevents jokes about licking their backside'. Tim Winton, Coleen McCullough and David Malouf are also recognised for 'their outstanding contribution to the social and cultural life' of Australia.

It's raining cats and dogs down under...

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, is set to make his publishing debut. Following several other world leaders' literary successes, Rudd has chosen to write his first book - a children's adventure book about his family pets. 'Jasper and Abby and the Great Australia Day Kerfuffle', will be published on Australia Day, January 26th, with proceeds going to a children's charity. Rudd said of the work; 'It has not been the most demanding text I have worked on, I've worked on the text with Rhys (children's TV presenter) and we've both interviewed the cat and the dog. They have been very co-operative in their responses but, for most of the time, have gone off the record.' His previous literary track is impressive. In 2008, Rudd established Australia's richest literary prize, 'The Prime Minister's Literary Awards', worth £56,000, an award he himself judges. It can only be hoped that his foray into writing measures up.