the tapes were being converted to phonograph records for preservation. The interviews The recordings vary both in length and form depending on the subject, and became longer as de Berg's recording technique developed; while the early tapes each contain five or six interviews, that extended to three or four tapes for one. De Berg's standard interview, especially with artists and writers, begins with the subject sketching a short autobiography for which she is particularly interested in their childhood influences and their earliest impulse to begin painting or writing. The interviewee then describes their creative methodology including, the influence on the work of their own experiences, and the need for revision. A particular book or painting is discussed in detail; its inspiration and ideas, and problems encountered in its completion. In conclusion, the interviewee may outline their general philosophy or discuss the state of the arts in Australia. All questions, pauses, broken sentences or repetitions have been edited out to give the impression of an uninterrupted reflective monologue. Given that some contain material that is frank, or potentially libellous, some have restricted access. Amongst them John Bell speaks of a desire to found a permanent Shakespearean company; Colleen McCullough is interviewed just as her bestselling novel The Thorn Birds was published and reveals how scientific training develops a “first class brain and absolutely phenomenal memory;” David Williamson tells how his interest in language as an instrument of power informed the construction of his protagonists' relationships; Howard Florey was recorded the year before his death and explains how his work was driven by curiosity, not as a mission to save humankind; and Barry Humphries discusses how theatre became his favoured means of self-expression over painting in his university years. Reception The National Library in its 1961-62 annual report noted her contribution;An unusual addition to the growing National Library collecttions illustrating the life and work of our creative writers is a record which also illustrates the co-operative attitude of Australian writers and the initiative of an Australian woman. Mrs. Hazel de Berg has recorded our leading authors reading their own work and recalling their experiences. The National Library, the Australian Broadcasting Commission and the authors have together made copies available for broadcasting and for use in educational institutions.When publisher Angus & Robertson launched six books of poetry together at a spring event in 1961, they included De Berg as an invitee amongst critics