 | Henry Lawson published his first poem in the nationalist magazine, the Bulletin, in 1887. Called 'A Song for the Republic', it was a stirring call to Australians to approach the new century with courage and commitment to the nation.
Debating vehemently with that other bush poet, Banjo Patterson, Lawson was central in the move towards 'realism' in literature. Instead of a gentle, idyllic place, the Australian landscape was depicted as indifferent to its inhabitants, who were battlers - gaunt, tragic, but noble.
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In the process of arguing the issue, writers established an Australian writing vernacular, and paved the way for a national literature. In his depictions of self-reliant, indomitable, independent Australians, Lawson put into words the qualities that contributed to the nation's sense of self.
Although Lawson had a hard and sad life, he was already, by the time of his death, a legend. He was the first Australian writer to be given a State funeral.
Source: Booklet accompanying the 1996 Masterpieces in Silver - Shaping a National Identity - Set.
Henry Lawson is featured on the following Australian coins:
1996 Five Dollars
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Last modified: 05 December, 2007
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