Mary Weaven teaches English and Literature at Point Gellibrand Girls' Secondary College in Williamstown, Victoria. She also tutors in English method in the Diploma of Education course at La Trobe University.

Many of the ideas in this monograph emerged from Mary's recently completed Doctoral thesis entitled 'A Revaluation of the Teaching of Literature'.

Fifteen years of classroom teaching experience ensure that Mary's views are grounded in a very sound understanding of the day-to-day practicalities of secondary education.