Max Harris, Australian journalist, poet, and author (b. 1921)
Maxwell Henley Harris AO (13 April 1921 – 13 January 1995), universally recognised as Max Harris, was a towering and multifaceted figure in Australian culture and intellectual life. His profound impact spanned various domains, establishing him as a prominent Australian poet, a sharp literary and social critic, an insightful columnist and commentator, an innovative publisher, and a successful bookseller. Harris's career was marked by both significant literary contributions and public controversies, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and often provocative voice.
A Visionary in Australian Literature and Culture
Max Harris’s influence extended far beyond a single discipline, cementing his status as a key architect of post-war Australian modernism. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, his intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from a young age, leading him to shape significant literary movements and commercial ventures.
The Many Facets of Max Harris's Career
Harris’s career was an intricate tapestry woven from diverse roles, each contributing to his remarkable legacy:
- Poet: Max Harris emerged as a significant modernist poet in Australia. His early works were characterized by their engagement with surrealism and his desire to challenge conventional poetic forms. While his individual poetic output was notable, his role as a catalyst for modernist poetry through publications like *Angry Penguins* arguably had an even greater impact on the Australian literary landscape.
- Critic and Commentator: Known for his incisive intellect and often provocative opinions, Harris was a formidable literary and social critic. He passionately engaged with contemporary issues, critiquing everything from art and literature to politics and societal norms. His sharp commentary was a staple in various publications, including influential columns for major Australian newspapers such as *The Australian* and weekly features in *The Bulletin*, where he consistently offered unique perspectives and sparked debate.
- Publisher: Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies stems from his role as a publisher. He was a co-founder and editor of the highly influential literary journal *Angry Penguins*, which became the focal point of the modernist movement in Australia during the 1940s. This journal served as a vital platform for emerging and established avant-garde writers and artists, profoundly shaping the direction of Australian literature.
- Bookseller: Demonstrating his commitment to fostering a vibrant reading culture, Harris also ventured into bookselling. He was instrumental in establishing the well-known Mary Martin Bookshop chain in Australia. These bookshops were celebrated for their diverse and extensive collections, offering a wider range of international and alternative literature than was commonly available at the time, thereby enriching the intellectual life of Australian communities.
The Ern Malley Hoax: A Defining Episode
One of the most famous episodes in Max Harris's career, profoundly impacting his public profile as a poet and publisher, was his central involvement in the Ern Malley literary hoax of 1944. As the editor of *Angry Penguins*, Harris published what he believed to be the groundbreaking poems of a deceased, previously unknown poet named Ern Malley. These poems, however, were deliberately fabricated by two conservative poets, James McAuley and Harold Stewart, who aimed to expose what they saw as the excesses and incomprehensibility of modernist poetry. Despite the controversy and initial public humiliation, Harris famously defended the artistic merit of the poems, arguing that their unintentional qualities still held poetic value. The hoax became a pivotal moment in Australian literary history, sparking widespread debate about modernism, poetic authenticity, and the role of the literary establishment.
Recognised for his Contributions: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
In recognition of his substantial and lasting contributions to Australian literature and cultural life, Max Harris was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 1994 Australia Day Honours. This prestigious award acknowledged his significant impact across various fields, from fostering new literary talent through his publishing ventures to enriching public discourse through his commentary and expanding access to diverse literature through his bookselling initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Max Harris
- Who was Max Harris?
- Maxwell Henley Harris AO (1921-1995), commonly known as Max Harris, was a prominent Australian poet, literary critic, columnist, commentator, publisher, and bookseller who played a significant role in Australian literature and culture, particularly during the mid-20th century.
- What was the Ern Malley Hoax, and how was Max Harris involved?
- The Ern Malley Hoax was a famous literary deception in 1944 where two poets created deliberately nonsensical modernist poems, which Max Harris, as editor of *Angry Penguins*, published, believing them to be genuine. The hoax sparked a national debate about modernism and poetic value, with Harris famously defending the poems' accidental merits.
- What was *Angry Penguins*?
- *Angry Penguins* was a highly influential Australian modernist literary journal co-founded and edited by Max Harris in the 1940s. It served as a vital platform for avant-garde art and literature, significantly shaping the modernist movement in Australia.
- What was the Mary Martin Bookshop?
- The Mary Martin Bookshop was a significant chain of bookshops in Australia, co-founded by Max Harris. These bookshops were renowned for their extensive and diverse selection of books, including many international and niche titles, contributing significantly to Australian reading culture.
- What does 'AO' after Max Harris's name signify?
- The 'AO' stands for Officer of the Order of Australia, a prestigious national honour awarded to Max Harris in 1994 for his distinguished service to Australian literature and culture.