Congratulations to CQUniversity academic and author Dr Ann-Marie Priest whose latest literary work is part of Best Australian Essays, alongside Noel Pearson, Tim Flannery, Gideon Haigh, David Marr, Robert Manne, JM Coetzee and others.

Ann-Marie's contribution is entitled Virginia Woolf's brain. She has previously gained a national profile with her book entitled Great Writers, Great Loves: The Reinvention of Love in the Twentieth Century.

"I was delighted that my essay was selected. Some of the writers in this anthology are my literary heroes," Ann-Marie said.

Ann-Marie Priest and her latest literary project

"It's a bit of an unusual piece in that it draws on mysticism and neuroscience to speculate about what Virginia Woolf's writings may have to tell us about the nature of reality.

"It's something I've wanted to write about for a while, but I had a lot of trouble finding the right form. When I was writing it, I did think that probably nobody but me would ever be interested in this topic, so I've been really thrilled that other people have found it interesting too."

According to publisher Black Inc, this year's Best Australian Essays range far and wide. There are portraits of Michael Jackson, Samuel Beckett, the kookaburra, Julia Gillard and Charles Darwin.

There are dazzling pieces on commerce and cricket, extinction and translation, perfume and politics. There are journeys through landscapes scorched and recovering, and reflections on turning points both public and deeply personal.

More details about Best Australian Essays are available via the Black Inc. website: http://www.blackincbooks.com/books/best-australian-essays-2009