Australian Science Fiction, as showcased by Australian SF Anthologies

Abstract

An apparently convenient way of studying Australian science fiction is to analyse the contents of ready-made anthologies of Australian science fiction. In doing so, the researcher discreetly circumvents the thorny issue of 'What is Australian?' and also 'What is science fiction?' by taking for granted that the texts within collections of Australian sf necessarily are Australian science fiction. Things, however, are never quite so simple and before being able to add to the debate as to what Australian science fiction truly is, it is necessary to overview the 50 odd years separating the most recent sf anthologies from the very first anthology showcasing Australian science fiction and to plot the meandering course of the genre's commercial development.