AustLit

'Historical novels dealing with the colonial past have always played a key role in constructing popular understandings of the national story in Australia, whether by reinforcing its legends or challenging them. In recent debates historical fiction's claims to authority have been perceived as competing with the work of historical scholars. By considering two such novels of the 1970s, Jessica Anderson's The Commandant and Thea Astley's A Kindness Cup, this essay offers a historical perspective on some questions of the relationship between historical novels and historical scholarship.' (Editor's abstract)