Arthur Upfield, known as Australia's first detective novelist, was the subject of discussion at a Friends of Fryer event on May 14. Chaired by Professor Peter Spearritt, a panel of Kees de Hoog and Carol Hetherington shared their extensive knowledge about this writer. Kees and Carol are both Upfield aficionados, as well as joint editors of the recently published Investigating Arthur Upfield: a centenary collection of critical essays .

Guests at the event included American contributor to Investigating Arthur Upfield, Winona Howe, who made the trip from California to attend. Also present was Mudrooroo, author of the short story 'Home on the range', featuring Detective Inspector Watson Holmes Jackamara, which was published in the book as well.

Starting with a biographical summary of Upfield by Kees, the discussion then moved onto a number of issues, including: the genesis of the character Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony'); Upfield's audience; the representation of landscape on the covers of his books; and his writing style. The audience were active participants, asking many questions of the panel.

At the end Ros Follett, Director, Research Information Service, thanked the speakers for the insights they had provided into Australian reading and publishing history, and everyone present for their enthusiastic engagement with the discussion.

A gallery of photos from the event is available on the University of Queensland Library facebook page.

-- Cathy Leutenegger