The making of poet A.D. Hope, Australian literary giant

The making of poet A.D. Hope, Australian literary giant

From Late Night Live — Full program podcast by ABC Australia

April 9, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

The episode explores the life and impact of Australian poet A.D. Hope through the insights of biographer Susan Lever.

Alec Derwent Hope (1907–2000) was one of Australia's most acclaimed poets. His first collection was not published until he was 48 years old, but its release cemented his reputation as the pre-eminent Australian poet of his time. The literary scholar Susan Lever knew Hope, and has written the first biography of his life - from rural Tasmania, to the halls of Oxford, and the heights of Australia's literary scene. Guest: Susan Lever, author of A.D. Hope - A life, published by LaTrobe Susan's recommended reading: The Coast of Cerigo Moschus Moschiferus. A Song for St Cecilia's Day An Epistle: Edward Sackville to Venetia Digby Imperial Adam The Death of the Bird Inscription for a War The Return of Persephone

People in this episode

Guest: Susan Lever

Topics covered

  • poetry
  • biography
  • Australian literature
  • literary criticism
  • cultural history

Keywords

  • A.D. Hope
  • Susan Lever
  • Australian poetry
  • literary biography
  • cultural impact

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LaTrobe

Books & works: A.D. Hope - A life, The Coast of Cerigo, Moschus Moschiferus, A Song for St Cecilia's Day, An Epistle: Edward Sackville to Venetia Digby, Imperial Adam, The Death of the Bird, Inscription for a War, The Return of Persephone

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