‘Whaddaya Know?’: Writings for Syd Harrex

In the true sense of the word, Syd Harrex was a pioneer; a pioneer in the field of New Literatures Written in English. A term he prefers because it broadened the categories of Commonwealth, Colonial and Postcolonial literatures in order to gather those writings that, although written in English, have different histories and trajectories.

Syd took the opportunity offered by the English department at Flinders University to introduce students and colleagues to a whole new world of literature, not necessarily to challenge the existing canon but to rethink questions of representation and its political, social and aesthetic implications. In this regard he inspired and continues to inspire those deeply engaged with all forms of literature.

This collection of essays, stories, poetry and memoir is an acknowledgement of Syd’s enormous influence and a tribute to his critical and creative endeavours. Those who have had the privilege of working with Syd might often marvel at what he has achieved, but perhaps from Syd’s perspective achievement can be explained by the simple adage, ‘Only Connect’.