Henry Lawson (Gutenberg Index)

Henry Lawson is the voice of the Australian bush. This comprehensive collection gathers his essential poems and short stories from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, capturing a world of swagmen, selectors, shearers, and drought-stricken farms with an authenticity that still resonates. From the unforgettable 'When the World Was Wide' to the gritty vignettes of 'While the Billy Boils,' Lawson writes about ordinary people facing extraordinary hardship with dry wit, deep empathy, and an ear for the rhythms of Australian speech. His poetry sings. His stories cut to bone. This is the literature that shaped a nation's sense of itself, and it remains vital reading for anyone who wants to understand what it means to be Australian.