Growing up in Brisbane during the Depression and World War II years provided author and poet Dr David Malouf AO with the inspiration for many of his nationally and internationally acclaimed works.

The University of Queensland's 1992 Alumnus of the Year has produced a prolific body of work marked by insight, diversity and literary recognition. Born in Brisbane in 1934, Dr Malouf graduated a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours in English Language and Literature from the University in 1955.

He remained at the University for two years after graduation as a junior lecturer before leaving Australia for 10 years, during which time he taught in the United Kingdom and travelled in Europe.

Dr Malouf returned to Australia in 1968 to teach English at the University of Sydney and published his first book of verse Bicycle and Other Poems two years later. In 1974 he published Neighbours in the Thicket, which won three literary awards.

Dr Malouf's reputation was further enhanced when Johnno, his first novel, was published in 1975. The portrayal of Brisbane during World War II has become a classic of Australian literature.

He has since won many prestigious awards for works such as An Imaginary Life; Child's Play; Fly Away Peter; and The Great World (winner of the 1991 Miles Franklin Award).

Other highly regarded works have included Remembering Babylon (1993); The Conversations at Curlow Creek (1996); and Dream Stuff (2000).

In 1992 The University recognised Dr Malouf's distinguished contributions to Australian literature by awarding him an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

Dr Malouf's latest book Typewriter Music - his first collection of poetry in 26 years - was launched at The University of Queensland Art Gallery in early June 2007 by UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, AC.