The Australian And Other Verses by Will H. Ogilvie

The Australian And Other Verses

by Will H. Ogilvie

Angus & Robertson, 1916 [First Edition], illustrated frontispiece and title page in colour, illustrated end-papers, pictorial hardcover in green cloth

Very Good Condition, rubbing to front and back covers, previous owners gift inscription on reverse of front flyleaf,

'William Henry (Will) Ogilvie poet and journalist, was born in Scotland. His love of horses and the ballads of Adam Lindsay Gordon turned his eyes to Australia. His father agreed that 'colonial experience' would benefit him, so in 1889 Will came to Australia with an introduction to William Scott of Belalie station, north of Bourke. He was wholly captivated by the outback and for twelve years roamed throughout Queensland.  This love of the outback he translated almost immediately into verses and ballads.  His verses covered every facet of bush life and every part of the outback he knew.  Among his best-known poems are the often-anthologized ballad, 'The Death of Ben Hall, 'The Riding of the Rebel' and 'Fair Girls and Gray Horses'.  One of his poems, 'On Morant'  was written for Morant whom he had met in the early 1890s and with whom he had become firm friends, each admiring the other's horsemanship.'