Ern Malley (pseudonym)

Ern Malley is a fictional character created in 1943 by Australian poets Max Harris and others as part of a literary hoax. Harris published a collection of poems attributed to Malley, claiming he was an obscure and troubled poet. The poems, filled with absurdity and experimental style, were intended to critique the prevailing literary trends. When the hoax was revealed, it sparked debates about art, authenticity, and the nature of poetry. Ern Malley's story became a significant moment in Australian literature, highlighting the tension between avant-garde movements and traditional forms.