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Brisbane, Meanjin Press (and Melbourne, Melbourne University Press from 1945), January 1942 to Winter 1952. Octavo (in varying sizes), 42 issues. Original wrappers, as issued; the first number in the run is a little soiled with minor insect damage (no loss of text); acidic covers of Volume 4, Number 1 detached and chipped; small edge tears and chips to some overlapping covers; trifling signs of use and age; overall, in very good condition. The first six numbers appeared in 1941; they are ephemeral roneoed publications, exceedingly rare on the open market. Volume 3, Number 4 and Volume 4, Number 4 were never published. This unbroken run of 42 issues has been built up over the years, and it contains copies with early ownership signatures, including those of 'Barjai' identities Barbara Patterson (twice) and Laurence Collinson, and John Ingamells (twice). A fine copy of the 'Meanjin Quarterly Index, 1940-1965' (1969) is included with the run. 'The first issue of "Meanjin" was published at Brisbane in 1940, containing the poems of Clem Christesen, James Picot, Brian Vrepont and Paul Grano. Christesen was the founding editor and remained in that position until 1974, attempting to produce a "journal of ideas, built around books, to encourage free expression and intelligent criticism, to put forward 'advance guard' material, develop contacts abroad - a Literary Lend-lease". To this end, Christesen attracted a diverse group of writers from Australia and overseas. In the 1940s Australian writers included poets such as Harold Stewart, Harry Hooton, Peter Hopegood, Max Harris, Rex Ingamells, Hugh McCrae and R.D. FitzGerald; critics such as Vance and Nettie Palmer, A.R. Chisholm and R.G. Howarth; fiction writers such as Xavier Herbert and Katharine Susannah Prichard; and a variety of other commentators such as Norman Bartlett, Lloyd Ross, Brian Fitzpatrick and Manning Clark. Overseas writers whose work appeared in "Meanjin" included Anais Nin, Arthur Koestler and Jean-Paul Sartre. Accompanying the work of these writers were sketches, designs and woodcuts from a number of visual artists, including Margaret Preston, Frank Medworth, Noel Counihan and Roy Dalgarno. Following an offer by Melbourne University to publish and manage the magazine, Christesen and his wife, Nina, moved to Melbourne in February 1945. Despite the financial security and institutional support, circulation dropped during the next twelve months. Christesen was forced to seek sponsorship from other sources to supplement the contribution from the university. By the late 1940s the distinct business connection with the university had ended but infrastructure was still provided, maintaining "Meanjin"'s institutional home' (AustLit website). [43 items].
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