19th CENTURY LITERATURE
Henry Lawson (1867 - 1922). Lawson initiated the famous 19th century debate about the reality of outback Australia, as 'the bush' had become a recurrent theme in early Australian writing. The debate saw, in one corner, Henry Lawson and his sympathisers 'duke it out' through verse against 'Banjo' Paterson and his supporters in the Bulletin's 'Red Page'. Image No. 169982
Rosa Caroline Praed, novelist, Image No. 66725
Reading together, ca. 1895, Image No. 93068
Henry Clarence Kendall, poet (1839-1882), Image No. 196302
Lily Keane reading a book on a stand, Image No. 136573
The John Oxley Library comprehensively collects all editions of every published volume of 19th century Australian literature. Australian Literature as a genre was born during this period and this collection provides a national context for our State's literature.
Australian literary journals spanning from the turn of the 19th century to the present is also a feature of this collection. Notable examples are: Steele Rudd's Magazine (1904 - 1907) and Lilley's Magazine (Jun 1911 - Oct 1911).
The 19th century Australian literature collection is also supported by long runs of literary and illustrated journals from Great Britain, where much of the publishing of Australian authors took place.
The comprehensive nature of this collection enables researchers to access a wealth of contextual information about the publishing industry. Alterations made in each successive edition map the changes in contemporary perspective and publishing requirements. An author's dedication and acknowledgement pages, which appear in some editions and not others, may also contribute vital clues about the author's life at that time.
How do I access items in this collection?
Access at the State Library of Queensland
- Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
- Browse Levels 2, 3 and 4 or request items from onsite ‘Closed Access’ storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance. See delivery times for more information.
- Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on their use.
- You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.
Access offsite
You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.
Search our collections:
Related links
- Austlit database (password may be required)
- Discover Steele Rudd's magazine (1904-1907)
- Discover Angry Penguins magazine
External links
Last updated: 17th November 2011
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