'Cracking The Spine is the most innovative resource in Australian literature I have seen in many years. An anthology of contemporary short stories, each with a commentary by their authors, the collection breaks down the wall between the creative and discursive, the imagistic and the expository. Filled with cutting-edge, innovative writers and armed with an expansive definition of what it is to be an Australian, Cracking the Spine will be at once accessible to undergraduate students and informative and challenging for their teachers. What a thrill to see a work like this come about ' -Nicholas...

This entertaining collection includes contemporary Australian fiction by award-winning authors writing in a diverse range of escapist genres. Includes mystery, sci fi, romance, comedy and tragedy. All great stories, written with flair. Ideal reading for the beach or the commute to work.