By Henry Lawson.
THE ACADEMY: "A book of honest, direct, sympathetic, humorous writing
about Australia from within is worth a library of travellers' tales. . . .
The result is a real book -- a book in a hundred. His language is terse,
supple, and richly idiomatic. He can tell a yarn with the best."
THE SCOTSMAN: "There is no lack of dramatic imagination in
the construction of the tales; and the best of them contrive to construct
a strong sensational situation in a couple of pages. But the chief charm
and value of the book is its fidelity to the rough character of the scenes
from which it is drawn."
LITERATURE: "These sketches bring us into contact with one phase
of colonial life at first hand. . . . The simplicity of the narrative
gives it almost the effect of a story that is told by word of mouth."
THE SPECTATOR: "It is strange that one we would venture to call
the greatest Australian writer should be practically unknown in England.
Mr. Lawson is a less experienced writer than Mr. Kipling,
and more unequal, but there are two or three sketches in this volume
which for vigour and truth can hold their own with even so great a rival.
Both men have somehow gained that power of concentration
which by a few strong strokes can set place and people before you
with amazing force."
THE TIMES: "A collection of short and vigorous studies and stories
of Australian life and character. A little in Bret Harte's manner,
crossed, perhaps, with that of Guy de Maupassant."
BRITISH WEEKLY: "Many of Mr. Lawson's tales photograph life
at the diggings or in the bush with an incisive and remorseless reality
that grips the imagination. He silhouettes a swagman in a couple of pages,
and the man is there, alive."
THE MORNING POST: "For the most part they are full of local colour,
and, correctly speaking, represent rather rapid sketches illustrative of
life in the bush than tales in the ordinary sense of the word. . . .
They bear the impress of truth, sincere if unvarnished."
A few other titles by Henry Lawson:
Prose: Poetry:
On the Track When I was King
Over the Sliprails Popular Verses
Joe Wilson Humorous Verses
Joe Wilson's Mates Winnowed Verses
THE BOOK LOVER: "Any book of Lawson's should be bought and treasured
by all who care for the real beginnings of Australian literature.
As a matter of fact, he is the one Australian literary product,
in any distinctive sense."