A man for all seasons

Supporters of the late Max Harris - distinguished poet, writer, journalist, publisher and bookseller - attended a public talk given by his biographer, Dr Betty Snowden, at the Barr Smith Library last month.

Mr Harris, one of the University's most celebrated alumni, is credited as "the founding father of Australian modernism in the arts". He died in 1995 of prostate cancer.

Dr Snowden, art curator in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, once worked for Max Harris in the Mary Martin's Bookshop, a popular gathering place for Adelaide's literary enthusiasts.

She recalled the literary giant as a "man of extraordinary intellect and wit".

"Max Harris wore many hats. He was insatiably curious and he always questioned the status quo. He was a very private man, but had a wicked sense of humour - and he never followed the beaten track."

Mr Harris studied Arts and Economics at the University of Adelaide, where he won 20 academic prizes, and was known as a "rebel editor and extremely talented poet," Dr Snowden said.

The free public lecture was organised by the Friends of the University of Adelaide Library Chapter of the Alumni Association.

Dr Snowden's biography - with the working title of With reason, without rhyme: Max Harris 1921-1995 - will be published within the next 18 months.

Story by Candy Gibson