I just heard about the above publication on the ABC’s Book Show from 31 July (you can get the podcast from iTunes – don’t you just love public radio). It sounds awesome. I’m all for ebooks but this is one of those books that would work better in a hardcopy format.

More info from the official site:

Allen & Unwin presents a project of national importance more than 6 years in the making.

The Macquarie PEN Anthology is a celebration of a rich, living literature. Some of the best, most significant writing produced in Australia over more than two centuries is gathered here in this landmark anthology. From fiction, poetry and drama to diaries, letters, essays and speeches, the anthology maps the development of one of the great literatures in English in all its energy and variety. From vivid settler accounts to haunting gothic tales, from raw protest to feisty urban satire and playful literary experiment, from passionate love poetry to moving memoir, the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature reflects the creative eloquence of our nation.

Over 1500 pages, over 500 literary works and over 300 authors.

— RRP $69.99. (Urk. Too bad my birthday is just over. Maybe Christmas?)