There is a pervasive belief that Henry Lawson was born in a tent. Professor Colin Roderick cast doubt over that belief and in this episode we discuss reasons for the doubt. Throughout the early years of Henry Lawson’s life, his family moved around as Lawson’s father continued his search for gold. Eventually, however, the family settled on a selection. Neither the mining pursuits nor the farming venture proved successful and so the family endured considerable difficulties throughout Lawson’s childhood. In addition to discussing life on the failing selection, in this episode we also discuss Lawson’s school experiences and some of his early literacy pursuits.
Lawson works referred to in the episode:
A Neglected History. Originally published in The Republican 4 April 1888.
His Father’s Mate. Originally published in The Bulletin 22 December 1888. Collected in While the Billy Boils(August 1896).
The Old Bark School: An Echo. Originally published in The Bulletin 5 January 1895. Collected in While the Billy Boils (August 1896).
The Old Bark School. Originally published in The Bulletin 22 May 1897. Collected in Verses Popular and Humorous (December 1900).
No Place for a Woman. Originally published in The Australian Star 2 September 1899. Collected in On the Track (April 1900).
The Wander-Light. Originally published in The Bulletin 10 December 1903. Collected in When I Was King and Other Verses (November 1905).
A Fragment of Autobiography [handwritten manuscript]. Not dated, but composed 1903-1906. State Library of New South Wales: Mitchell Library.
Lawson entry in Eurunderee school visitors’ book. Originally written 20 April 1914. New South Wales Government State Records (online), Henry Lawson visits his old school, 1914.
