Date of Birth: June 17, 1867
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: September 2, 1922
Biography
Henry Lawson was one of Australia’s most famous and beloved writers, known for his poignant stories and poems that captured the essence of the Australian outback and the struggles of the working class. Born on June 17, 1867, in Grenfell, New South Wales, Lawson grew up in the harsh rural environment that would later become the backdrop for much of his work. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including partial deafness and bouts of depression, Lawson produced a prolific body of work that includes short stories, poetry, and sketches. Lawson’s early life was marked by hardship. His father, Niels Hertzberg Larsen (later Peter Lawson), was a Norwegian-born miner, while his mother, Louisa Albury Lawson, was a prominent feminist and publisher. His parents separated when he was young, and his mother moved to Sydney, where she became a significant influence on his literary career. In 1888, Lawson published his first poem, “A Song of the Republic,” which was followed by a series of short stories and poems that solidified his reputation as a leading voice in Australian literature. His works often portrayed the grim realities of bush life, the camaraderie among working men, and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite his literary success, Lawson struggled with financial instability and alcoholism throughout his life. He spent several periods in and out of institutions and died on September 2, 1922, in Sydney. Today, Lawson is remembered as one of Australia’s greatest writers, and his works continue to be celebrated for their enduring relevance and emotional depth.
5 Interesting Facts about Henry Lawson
1. Henry Lawson was partially deaf due to an ear infection he contracted as a child.
2. His mother, Louisa Lawson, was a pioneering feminist and the founder of the feminist journal “The Dawn.”
3. Lawson’s first published poem, “A Song of the Republic,” appeared in the Bulletin magazine in 1887.
4. He was awarded a state funeral, which was attended by thousands, reflecting his status as a national literary icon.
5. Lawson’s face appeared on the Australian ten-dollar note from 1966 to 1993.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Lawson
1. “The tracks that led to the end of the world were more interesting than those that led to the church.”
2. “I have outlived my faith, but not my love for my kind.”
3. “We shall never be content until we have made the world listen.”
4. “If you know Bourke, you know Australia.”
5. “Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henry Lawson did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime. At the time of his death, he was largely impoverished.
Children
Henry Lawson had two children with his wife, Bertha Bredt: 1. A son named Jim Lawson, born in 1898. 2. A daughter named Bertha Lawson, born in 1900.
Relevant Links
1. [Henry Lawson on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Lawson
3. [Poetry Foundation – Henry Lawson](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/henry-lawson
4. [Project Gutenberg – Works of Henry Lawson](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/196
