Subject
Short stories, Australian Books
Best books
Rolf Boldrewood
In Bad Company, and other stories
"In Bad Company, and other stories" by Rolf Boldrewood is a collection published in 1901. This volume gathers thirty-five stories and six non-fiction essays exploring Australia's frontier life. From bushrangers and drovers to gold miners and stock-riders, Boldrewood captures the raw, romantic episodes of early colonial existence. Many pieces appear in print for the first time, including autobiographical sketches that reveal the author's intimate knowledge of the Australian bush and its colorful characters.
A. B. (Andrew Barton) Paterson
Three Elephant Power, and Other Stories
"Three Elephant Power, and Other Stories" by A. B. Paterson is a collection of short stories published in 1917. This anthology presents nineteen tales that capture authentic Australian life with Paterson's distinctive humor and keen eye for character. From motor cars to livestock, from bar-room oracles to amateur gardeners, these stories explore everyday happenings and reveal the underlying comedy of Australian rural and town life. Critics praised the collection as superior work, noting that discernment of character and authentic Australian tone shine through every page.
Henry Lawson
On the Track
"On the Track" by Henry Lawson is a collection of short stories published in 1900. This volume gathers nineteen tales of Australian bush life, featuring colorful characters like swagmen, bushmen, and the memorable "Bill, the Ventriloquial Rooster." Lawson's sketches capture the raw, unvarnished reality of the outback, depicting the struggles and encounters of ordinary people navigating the harsh Australian landscape. The collection showcases both Lawson's celebrated descriptive power and his unflinching focus on the grittier aspects of frontier existence.
Henry Lawson
Over the Sliprails
"Over the Sliprails" by Henry Lawson is a collection of short stories published in 1900. This volume gathers sixteen tales of Australian life, most reprinted from newspapers, with several appearing in print for the first time. The stories range from bush characters and shanty-keepers to sharpers and selectors' daughters, capturing diverse experiences from the Australian outback. One piece, "The Hero of Redclay," was originally conceived as a novel before Lawson condensed it into short story form for this collection.
Frederic Manning
Scenes and Portraits
"Scenes and Portraits" by Frederic Manning is a collection of literary essays written in the early 20th century. The work explores a range of historical and philosophical themes through richly drawn characters and narratives, suggesting a deep curiosity about human nature and the intricacies of existence. In this collection, Manning delves into the realm of mythology, philosophy, and the complexities of identity, approaching his subjects with a powerful blend of reflection and creative imagination. At the start of the text, the narrative introduces readers to Merodach, the King of Uruk, and his contemplations about power, mortality, and the human condition. Through a dialogue with his priest Bagoas, Merodach grapples with the transient nature of life, the legacy of one’s actions, and the inevitability of death. The conversation reveals the weight of existential questions faced not only by kings but by all humanity, blending mythical elements with profound philosophical insights that set the stage for the exploration of themes like individuality, legacy, and the spiritual yearnings of mankind throughout the essays.
George Egerton
Keynotes
"Keynotes" by George Egerton is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The work explores themes of femininity, personal struggle, and the complexities of human relationships, often through the lens of various female characters navigating their identities and societal expectations. The narratives delve into women's emotional lives and their desires for love, freedom, and self-expression. The opening of "Keynotes" presents a vivid vignette where a woman reflects on the incongruity of a man's singing against the backdrop of nature's beauty. This scene captures her blend of distaste and amusement, setting the tone for her complex character, who is intertwined with nature and imaginative thoughts. As she engages in conversation with a man who shows interest in fishing, their interaction reveals her multifaceted personality, which combines allure and intellectual independence. The dialogue hints at deeper themes concerning gender dynamics, attraction, and the intensity of female desire. This opening serves as an introduction to the stories that follow, likely exploring similar emotional and social complexities in the lives of different women.
Mary Gaunt
The Moving Finger
"The Moving Finger" by Mary Gaunt is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the complex lives of characters in a desolate Australian landscape, centering on themes of love, loyalty, and tragedy amid the harsh realities of bush life. A key focus is on Nellie Durham, a young woman caught in an emotional tumult involving Gentleman Jim, an outlaw, and Ben Fisher, a decent man seeking her affection. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a small, rough-hewn accommodation house run by the Durhams, where Nellie sits idly, lost in thought, as the sunlight casts a warm glow. We quickly learn of her romantic entanglement with Gentleman Jim, described as charismatic yet dangerous, and how her family's reputation in a wild bush setting complicates her feelings. As the story unfolds, ghostly tales and superstitions are mingled with the realities of their lives, hinting at impending calamities. The interplay between characters sets the stage for conflicts driven by love, jealousy, and societal expectations, establishing a gripping foundation for the narrative ahead.
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