188: AGAINST REALITY
ISBN 978-0-9775171-5-2
SPRING 2007
launched 20 September 2007

 We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality – judiciously, as you will – we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors … and you, all of you, will be left to study what we do.
—A senior Bush advisor to New York Times journalist Ron Suskind

In issue 188, Overland’s contributors identify, explore and contest the dominant political, personal, cultural and religious ‘realities’ of the day.

John Harms, columnist and author, considers the sometimes inexplicable link between politics and faith in a personal reflection on growing up Lutheran.

Katherine Wilson checks in to the National Security Summit to explore the big business that is national security, while Michael Head looks at the militarisation of Australian Society.

Jess Whyte calls for imagination and bravery in contesting dominant political narratives.

Fiona McGregor explores the tension between contemporary culture and tradition in Poland.

Rjurik Davidson speaks to two prominent authors in the world of speculative fiction, Kim Stanley Robinson and China Miéville.

And Terry Eyssens gives us a personal account of the alienation of labour and examines its manifestation in philosophy and literature.

Plus a speculative fiction feature with stories from: Ben Peek, Susan Wardle and Jill Sparrow & Paul Voermans

Plus poetry, book reviews, cartoons and cover by Jon Cattapan

Enquiries to JEFF SPARROW or
KALINDA ASHTON on 03 9919 4163
or email overland@vu.edu.au or jeff.sparrow@vu.edu.au