Henry Lawson....A writer, most complete...

[Bernard de Silva]

Henry Lawson, perhaps more than any other Australian poet or author,
forged an enduring influence, not only in our literary heritage, but in a
promotion and understanding of the pioneering spirit and that uniquely
Australian quality…Mateship. This influence was subtly channeled into
the musical culture of our nation by the late and great Slim Dusty, who
converted some of Lawson’s narrative verse to song…[Sweeny and Peter
Anderson and Co. readily come to mind.] and John Schumann, one of our
land’s noted song writers in his own right…[all who remember Viet Nam,
never forget the graphic truths found in his song, “I was only nineteen”],
has also felt moved to further this musical extension of Lawson’s legacy…

Lawson, not only a poet, but a master of concise narration and a writer
most complete in the true sense of the word, bequeathed a vast diversity
of information…His descriptive passages and interwoven social comment,
not only detail the history, the traditions and customs of bygone eras, but
deliver that tangible link to a Nation’s origins which should be preserved
for posterity…Lawson’s writings, collected in the volumes, “A Fantasy of
Man” and “A Campfire Yarn”, are this legacy, a lasting inspiration and a
source of enjoyment to lesser scribes who follow. Any bounty such as this,
should never go unnoticed…nor should the songs go unheard.

[The Broomehill-Billy]

Bernie, Maaaate,
This is the first time I've looked into this part of the site, (but as a brickie, I've built plenty of houses without bothering what the rooms were called).

You've got a consumaaate grasp of Lawson and his legacy, if ever there was one.
What is it that clicks so quickly to those of us who actually listen (a century later).
'To Jim' may well be 'Youse Blokes.
Goodonyer, I hope John gets to read your comments, as he's provided another means by which the penny can drop for the current generation.
Timely burley.
"Hey Man, like ... Henry rocks Man ... coowell rap ... Maaan!"
We might even get a post from Slim and Henry.

[therese]

well said bernie!  i have a collected workd of henrys, and one of banjos as well.  a christmas present.  unfortunately, they are in storage as we're between movesk so i've not had a chance to have a good read ..... yet

[The Broomehill-Billy]

Therese,
Have you had a look and listen at www.henrylawson.com.au

I'm driving down to Bunbury this morning, (2hrs) for a few days work, and will pre-record some more poems in at ABC South West for the Brekky Show.
I will probably play and sing the 'Lawson' CD all the way.
My (Bob Dylan invented) harmonica holder allows me to keep both hands on the wheel. Harmonicas in 8 keys ocross the dashboard, to play along with a Vagabond Crew and Henry.
Driving through the Pasta Valley, what more could a brickie want?
(Apart from getting back to Perth in timeto go to the Freo vs Bulldogs game, Sunday.)

[therese]

well BB, sounds like you have your trip planned just fine.  i hope you get back in time for your footy? match

[Bernard de Silva]

G'day Wayne,
                How the West was Won?...
Correct me if I'm wrong...but would the
other West Aussie Aerial Ping-Pong mob
be playing the Brissy Lions at the Gabba?

This is rugby league country, but I have
to freely admit, AFL is making grand inroads...
I've always enjoyed any fast free flowing
game...and following all the B/S and the
inconsistency with the rugby league's
referee systems slowing their game to a
crawl, AFL, where I doubt even a rampaging
elephant or a chain saw massacre on the field
would distract officials or players sufficently
to even slightly slow or affect the game, is a
definate winner...The promotion of interest in
your game is at a youthful level, where it counts...
this also leaves rugby league officialdom lagging
in their wake...even here, in a league stronghold...
So when I say, "Aerial Ping-Pong", 'tis but an echo
from the past...these days I appreciate the game...
                                            Bernie...
The Lady of Words, shakes her head..."Bloody football!!!
Yeeeeettttchhhh!"...

[Terry]

G/day Bernie,
I also have the two volumes you mentioned. What I liked about Henry Lawson is his tendency to tell it as it was in his time, he paints such a clear picture of those times, mateship, the tough times, the country and the city life, the hardships of those times, it's all there. In my view he was head and shoulders above anyone else with his short stories and I've always liked the honesty of his poetry.

Cheers Terry   

[tomchap]

I too have a real soft spot for Lawson. I have read most of his and Paterson's poems. Paterson tells a good story (not that Lawson doesn't), but Lawson, at least to me, also has the ability to touch the soul. I have had moist eyes reading Lawson (e.g. The Fire at Ross's Farm and Old Stone Chimney) but not so much with Paterson.

Just for pleasure I read Lawson quite frequently. Good stuff.

Cheers
 Tom.

[therese]

i'm with zondrae on her opinion of footy.  its all the same to me.

we used to live two streets back from the gabba, several years ago.  we didn't have to watch the sport of the day, as the crowds returning to their cars would be a good indicator of who was either the winner or loser.

[zondrae]

morning folks,


Now you all have me wrong!  My derogatory view of sport is only aimed at the 'buffo' side of any sport. I enjoy watching a game played fairly and according to the rules. Anything from Lawn Bowles to Tennis or Tiddly Winks.  It's when this 'threaten the umpire' or 'thump someone to get the upper hand' make it 'win at any price'  that I drop out.

And I must admit, even the modern 'Men of League' make a great calendar. oohh those arms and thighs.. and as for a tanned and rippling six pack  well... makes me forget I'm a granny.