The first of three books of chats with Australian writers about their yakka. Candida Baker is a great interviewer in the Paris Review mould. Prepared, polite, and probing. Recorded in mid 1980s, the reputations of these writers have held up well (except d‘Alpuget and maybe Hewett). Thea Astley and Christina Stead are the standouts. But it‘s fascinating to hear Peter Carey on the verge of international success. Used copies are easy to find.