Henry Lawson 
In the Days When the World Was Wide, and Other Verses 

Henry Lawson’s ‘In the Days When the World Was Wide, and Other Verses’ is a collection of poetry that captures the essence of life in the Australian Outback during the late 19th century. Lawson’s simple yet evocative language provides a vivid portrayal of the struggles, joys, and harsh realities faced by the early settlers and bush workers. The poems are rich in imagery and convey a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. Written in a traditional ballad style, Lawson’s verses celebrate the beauty of the Australian landscape and the resilience of its people. This collection is a classic example of Australian bush poetry and offers valuable insights into the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Henry Lawson, a prominent Australian writer and poet, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a bushman and drover. His personal struggles and observations of the Australian Outback greatly influenced his writings. Lawson’s deep empathy for the common man and his keen eye for detail set him apart as a distinctive voice in Australian literature. His works continue to resonate with readers seeking authentic representations of the Australian identity. For readers interested in Australian literature, particularly the genre of bush poetry, Henry Lawson’s ‘In the Days When the World Was Wide, and Other Verses’ is a must-read. This collection offers a heartfelt tribute to the pioneering spirit of the Australian people and provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life in the bush.

A propos de l’auteur

Henry Lawson (1867–1922) was a seminal Australian writer and poet, whose work left an indelible imprint on Australian literature and national identity. Born on June 17, 1867, in a gold-mining region of New South Wales, he grew up in the bush, an upbringing which deeply influenced his writing. Despite suffering from deafness and enduring a difficult life that included financial hardship and periods of deafness, Lawson’s keen observations of life in the Australian outback and his earnest portrayals of the hardships of rural people are unparalleled. His literary journey began with publishing poetry and short stories in the Bulletin magazine, leading to significant recognition.

One of Lawson’s major contributions to poetry is ‘In the Days When the World Was Wide, and Other Verses’ (1896), which showcased his profound connection to the Australian landscape and his compassionate view of the struggles of the everyman. His verse reflects a unique realism, a vivid depiction of the vast and often unforgiving Australian bush, all while exhibiting a deep emotional resonance and a distinctive narrative voice that stirred national pride. Lawson’s literary style is marked by its use of clear, direct language and a focus on the narrative within the poem, bringing a stark realism that has often been compared to the prose of Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Throughout his works, Lawson conveyed a raw authenticity that solidified his position as a foundational figure in Australian literature, influencing subsequent generations of writers and poets.