"In this controversial and engrossing study, Richard Nile debunks some of the powerful myths of cultural nationalism and observes its passing in favour of the celebrity author." "He explores the power of nationalism as a governing force in the creation and ultimate demise of Australian literature. In a clear and accessible way, Nile invokes the stylistic possibilities of narrative history and creative non-fiction, playfully blurring the lines between them."--BOOK JACKET.