'The Angry Penguin presents a rich selection of poems written throughout Max Harris's life, from the early poems of his youth to the more contemplative poems of his later years.

'With an introduction by Alan Brissenden and a tribute by the late Alister Kershaw, The Angry Penguin is the first compilation of Max Harris's poems to be widely distributed since 1942. Providing an overview of his life's creative work, this volume demands a reassessment of Max Harris's contribution to Australian literature, firmly establishing him as an Australian lyric poet of considerable standing.

'Max Harris's influence on Australian cultural life has been profound. In 1989 he was recognised with the award of Order of Australia 'for services to literature'. Four years later, he was cited as 'the founding father of Australian modernism in the arts' when receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award of the University of Adelaide Alumni Association.' (Publication summary)