Hermes is the annual literary journal published by the University of Sydney Union. It is the oldest such journal in Australasia, having been established in 1886.

History

Hermes was established in 1886. The first issue of Hermes appeared in July 1886. Publication was suspended in 1942–1944, 1953, 1955, 1964, and 1970–1984. Hermes is edited by current students and all content within the publication is provided by students, staff and alumni from the University of Sydney. While in recent years there have been themes for specific editions, the journal publishes written, creative and visual pieces. A special jubilee edition was published in 1902 to coincide with the University's anniversary. Today, Hermes acts as the printed Creative Catalogue for the USU Creative Awards. Each year winners of The USU Creative Awards have their work published in Hermes, win prize money and have their works displayed professionally at the Verge Gallery.

Past editors

Distinguished former editors of Hermes have included Thomas Bavin (1897), H. V. Evatt (1916), John Le Gay Brereton (1892-94), Clive Evatt (1926), James McAuley (1937), Jock Marshall (1941), and a duo of Les Murray and Geoffrey Lehmann in 1962. Kathleen M. Commins was the first woman editor in 1931. In 2015 the Editorial team was entirely women: Elle Burchell, Pheobe Corleone, Madeleine Gray and Tahlia Chloe.

Editors 1886-2017