Australians in Italy

Contemporary Lives and Impressions

Edited by Bill Kent, Ros Pesman and Cynthia Troup

Long before the advent of modern tourism, Australians have travelled to live in Italy, or have undertaken extensive visits there. Indeed they continue to do so in increasing numbers, as women and men find Italian partners; as business people with European interests settle there; as retirees in their thousands seek ‘the good life’ that Italy – in Ros Pesman’s words, this ‘culturally endowed place of rebirth’ – seems to promise.

While many are familiar with celebrated expatriates such as Germaine Greer, Jeffrey Smart, Peter Robb and David Malouf, hundreds of other artists, writers, musicians and intellectuals have made and continue to make a notable contribution to the cultural and intellectual life of both countries. Whilst Australian studies flourishes in Italian universities, Australian academics write distinguished accounts of Italian history covering various eras. Despite this sustained activity, the scholarly and cultural engagement of Australians with Italy is not a well known story. 

This collection seeks to map the past and present of the Australian love affair with Italy, yielding rich insights into its causes, motivations and transformations. Contributors include former Australian Ambassador to Italy Rory Steele, poet Peter Porter, contemporary artists Euan Heng and Jo-Anne Duggan, as well as distinguished academics and young scholars. Amongst the diverse range of articles and vignettes, Ian Britain writes on Donald Friend’s Italian years, Loretta Baldassar explores the phenomenon of reverse migration, and novelist Lisa Clifford reflects on her family ties with Italy.

Australians in Italy will appeal to scholars and students of migration and multi-culturalism, Australian Studies and Italian Studies, tourism and travel. It will also delight those interested in Italy and all  things Italian – people of Italo-Australian background, armchair and actual travellers, sojourners in Italy, and the general reader.

‘This book makes an important contribution to an emerging field of study: the Australian diaspora in Europe. ... As an Italophile ... this collection was a great pleasure to read.’

— Dr Catherine Kevin, Flinders University of South Australia

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