A Horse of Air (1970) is a novel winner of Miles Franklin Award by Australian author Dal Stivens.
Video A Horse of Air
Outline of story
The horse of the title is said to refer to the Australian Aboriginal term for a night parrot. When horses were first introduced to the Australian mainland, their galloping movements were said to resemble low-flying parrot cruises that are now threatened with extinction. Stivens himself is an ornithologist who likes birds finches. However, this phrase is taken from a 17th century crazy song called Tom o'Bedlam. & Lt; Hickman L (1971) I am obsessed. The Australian Women's Weekly July 21, 1971, p. 65. & gt;
This novel focuses on the chatter of his main narrator, Harry Craddock. Harry uses his wealth and influence among the elite to organize the search for a bird that is hard to catch. But his dissatisfaction with Australia's mainstream society is clear. On page 67, for example, he states: "Australians are a numberless and ning-nong nation - we deserve every ounce of indifference to this continent!"
This novel supports the return of the colonial view of Ernest Giles, which seeks to open the heart of the continent for industrial development, including uranium mining. Giles saw an opportunity in the "Palms Valley" that emerged from the Simpson Desert. The novel, initially hailed as a modern classic when receiving the Miles Franklin Award in 1971, quickly slipped into obscurity. The only reprint offered in 1986 by Penguin Books, with the original cover by Australian artist Brett Whitely.
Maps A Horse of Air
Critical reception
In The Bulletin David Ball finds a lot of what he likes about the novel, but feels it is not enough about his target: "... this book has enthusiasm, and a little humor and respect for both. I did not expect to make it myself I love to read it So I went sadly because Moby Dinkum - but without saying goodbye The journey became one, too, for whatever was left of the previous explorer, Alfred Gibson. more human is empty and betrayed - and he has to leave again He'll be right the next time, maybe a friend. "
Maurice Vintner in The Sydney Morning Herald noted many depths in the book: "It can be a subtle psychological study, but more and less of this; it can be a more superior part of the realm of history, but it is more from this, can be an allegory for our time: allegories exist for prospect seekers to find.This can be a joke of life, full of laughter, there must be some famous comic writings, but as an ornament rather than substance.The best estimate, perhaps is that all elements this is here at a certain level for the reader to enjoy, because the author obviously enjoys writing it. "
Revisiting the publication of the novel in 1986 at The Canberra Times Veronica Sen notes: "This stimulating novel, using myths about Australia's great emptiness, both spiritual and physical, as its foundation, oscillates between childish the joy and disappointment of seeing our relationship - and our society - with intelligence and compassion. "
Note
Epigraph: with some curiosity I'm comatose, with a burning speare, & amp; a horse aire, to the wildernesse that I was wandering around. With a ghost knight & amp; shadow, I said I was going to Tourney. ten leagues outside the vast world and I finally thought it was a noe journey. but i will sing & amp; c: Mad Tom o 'Bedlam's Ballad (Anon.)
The most beautiful moments in human life, methinks, is the departure of a long journey to an unknown place. Shook with one massive effort of habit shackles, heavy lead routine, many Cares robes and Home slavery, men feel once again happy. Blood flows with a fast circulation from childhood... A handful of morning life... - Richard Burton, Journal entry, December 2, 1856.
Our lives are wild, romantic, and serviceable. - Isabel Burton, as long as they live in Damascus.
To know how to free yourself is nothing; The difficult thing is knowing what to do with one's freedom. - Andre Gide, The Immoralist
I have been crafty in my overthrow, the Pilot being careful of my true misery.- Byron
References
- Middlemiss.org
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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