Henry Lawson

Date of Birth: 17 June 1867

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 2 September 1922

Biography

Henry Lawson was an Australian writer and poet, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest short story writers. Born on the goldfields of Grenfell, New South Wales, Lawson’s early life was marked by hardship and the struggle for survival in the harsh Australian bush. Despite these challenges, he developed a deep love for literature and storytelling, inspired in part by his mother, Louisa Lawson, who was a prominent feminist and writer. Lawson’s works often depict the lives of the working class and the stark realities of rural Australia. His writing is celebrated for its realism, humor, and vivid portrayal of the Australian landscape and characters. Some of his most famous works include “The Drover’s Wife,” “While the Billy Boils,” and “Joe Wilson and His Mates.” In addition to his literary achievements, Lawson’s life was marred by personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and periods of financial instability. Despite these difficulties, his contributions to Australian literature have left an indelible mark, and he remains a beloved figure in Australia’s cultural history.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Lawson

1. Henry Lawson was profoundly deaf from an early age due to an ear infection, which significantly affected his life and work.

2. He was the son of Louisa Lawson, a noted suffragist and writer who also edited the feminist newspaper “The Dawn.”

3. Lawson was one of the first Australian writers to gain international recognition, with his works being published in England and the United States.

4. His face appeared on the Australian ten-dollar note from 1966 until 1993.

5. He was friends with fellow Australian writer A.B. “Banjo” Paterson, though their relationship was often strained due to professional rivalry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Lawson

1. “If you know Bourke, you know Australia.”

2. “The time will come when the world will be surprised that it was ever denied that all men are born free and equal.”

3. “Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer.”

4. “If I could borrow another ten years of life, I’d live it as I have lived this.”

5. “On the track of the old-fashioned bushman, where the mulga and the mallee scrub grow, I can see the campfires of the lost years burning like the fires of old.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Lawson struggled financially for much of his life and did not accumulate significant wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but it is known that he faced periods of poverty.

Children

Henry Lawson had two children with his wife Bertha Bredt: a son named Jim and a daughter named Bertha. His relationship with his wife was tumultuous, and they eventually separated.