Clem Christesen
Encyclopedia
Clement Byrne Christesen (1911–2003) was the founder of the Australian literary magazine, Meanjin
. He served as the magazine's editor from 1940 until 1974.
in 1917, where Clem later attended the University of Queensland
.
Meanjin Papers
was first published in 1940, following Christesen's return from overseas travel.
With an offer of full-time salary and commercial support for the publication, the magazine and its editor moved to the University of Melbourne
in 1945.
He retired as editor in 1974.
Awards=
Christesen was granted several awards and state honours in recognition of his achievements:
Meanjin
Meanjin is an Australian literary journal. The name - pronounced Mee-AN-jin - is derived from an Aboriginal word for the land where the city Brisbane is located.It was founded in December 1940, in Brisbane, by Clem Christesen...
. He served as the magazine's editor from 1940 until 1974.
Early years
Clement Byrne Christesen was born and spent his early life in Townsville. His father, Patrick was of mixed Irish and Danish descent, while his mother Susan Byrne, was mostly Irish. The family moved to BrisbaneBrisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
in 1917, where Clem later attended the University of Queensland
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland, also known as UQ, is a public university located in state of Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest and largest university in Queensland and the fifth oldest in the nation...
.
Career
After leaving university, Clem worked as a journalist at Brisbane's Courier-Mail and the Telegraph, as well as a publicity officer for the Queensland government.Meanjin Papers
Meanjin
Meanjin is an Australian literary journal. The name - pronounced Mee-AN-jin - is derived from an Aboriginal word for the land where the city Brisbane is located.It was founded in December 1940, in Brisbane, by Clem Christesen...
was first published in 1940, following Christesen's return from overseas travel.
With an offer of full-time salary and commercial support for the publication, the magazine and its editor moved to the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia and the oldest in Victoria...
in 1945.
He retired as editor in 1974.
Awards=
Christesen was granted several awards and state honours in recognition of his achievements:
- Officer of the Order of British Empire, 1 January 1962, In recognition of service to Australian literature
- Medal of the Order of AustraliaOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
, 26 January 2000, for service to the development of Australian creative and critical writing as founder and editor of Meanjin Quarterly - Centenary MedalCentenary MedalThe Centenary Medal is an award created by the Australian Government in 2001. It was established to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia and to honour people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government...
, 1 January 2001, for service to Australian society and the humanities in writing and literature