Henry Lawson: Biography, Books & Where to Start

Who was Henry Lawson?

Henry Lawson, born on a New South Wales goldfield and partly deaf from childhood, became the great short-story writer of the Australian bush. Stories such as “The Drover’s Wife” (1892), collected in While the Billy Boils (1896), and his ballads gave a plain, unsentimental voice to shearers, swagmen and lonely selectors. He was the first Australian writer to be given a state funeral.

Where to start

Begin with While the Billy Boils.

Henry Lawson’s books, in order

1. While the Billy Boils (1896)
   Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
2. Joe Wilson and His Mates (1901)
   Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →

Part of our Australian Classics reading list — print it, email it to yourself or share it.

More Australian authors

Banjo Paterson · Miles Franklin · Henry Handel Richardson · Patrick White · Ruth Park · Oodgeroo Noonuccal · Tim Winton

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henry Lawson?

Henry Lawson, born on a New South Wales goldfield and partly deaf from childhood, became the great short-story writer of the Australian bush. Stories such as “The Drover’s Wife” (1892), collected in While the Billy Boils (1896), and his ballads gave a plain, unsentimental voice to shearers, swagmen and lonely selectors.

What is Henry Lawson’s most famous book?

While the Billy Boils is usually considered Henry Lawson’s best-known work, followed by The Drover’s Wife, Joe Wilson and His Mates.

Which Henry Lawson book should I read first?

Most readers start with While the Billy Boils.

Is it Henry Lawson or Lawson?

Both refer to the same writer.

Can I read Henry Lawson’s books free online?

Many of Henry Lawson’s works are in the public domain; we link to free editions below.