Dorothy Auchterlonie Green facts for kids

Dorothy Auchterlonie (also known as Dorothy Green) was an important Australian writer, teacher, and literary expert. She was born in England on May 28, 1915, and passed away on February 21, 1991. She was known for her poetry, her work as a literary critic, and her teaching.

Her Life Story

Early Years and Education

Dorothy Auchterlonie was born in Sunderland, England. When she was 12 years old, in 1927, her family moved to Australia.

She studied in both England and Australia. Later, she went to the University of Sydney. There, she earned top marks in English. She also completed a Master's degree in English.

While at university, Dorothy was part of a special group of talented writers. This group included famous poets like James McAuley and Harold Stewart.

Career and Marriage

In 1944, Dorothy married Henry Mackenzie Green. He was a well-known literary historian and critic. At the time, he was the chief librarian at the University of Sydney.

Dorothy worked as a journalist and broadcaster for the ABC. She worked in Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra from 1942 to 1949. In 1955, she became a co-principal at a school in Queensland.

In 1961, she made history at Monash University. She became the first female lecturer there, teaching literature. She also taught at the Australian National University. Later, she taught at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Championing Australian Literature

During her teaching career, Dorothy worked hard to promote Australian literature. She wrote many literary criticisms. These writings helped to bring attention to authors she felt were not getting enough recognition. Some of these authors included Martin Boyd, Patrick White, and Christina Stead.

In 1963, she started revising a large book. It was her husband H. M. Green's History of Australian Literature. She made it shorter and easier for students to read. This revised version was published in 1985.

Dorothy also wrote her own major studies. Her book Ulysses Bound was about the writer Henry Handel Richardson. It was first published in 1973. She also began a biography about E. L. Grant Watson. Part of this project, Descent of Spirit, was published in 1990.

Activism and Legacy

Dorothy was also passionate about important causes. She supported environmental groups. She also volunteered for the Australian Council of Churches.

She was a strong voice against nuclear weapons. She gave speeches and wrote articles about this issue. In 1987, she visited Moscow. She was one of nine Australians invited to a peace meeting there.

After her death in 1991, the National Library of Australia bought many of her writings and papers. More of her documents are kept at the Australian Defence Force Academy Library.

Recognition and Awards

Dorothy Auchterlonie received several important awards for her work.

In 1984, she was given a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award recognized her services to literature, teaching, and writing.

In 1988, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is an even higher honor within the Order of Australia. It recognized her continued contributions to Australian literature and education.

Sources

• MS 5678 Papers of Dorothy Green (1915–1991)