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Article: 'That wild run to London': Henry and Bertha Lawson in England.(Biography)(Essay)
- Article from:
- Australian Literary Studies
- Article date:
- October 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Australian Literary Studies. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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HENRY Lawson had hoped for recognition by the British literary world, and felt that his two-year stay in England was the 'high tide' of his literary career. But he also later referred to it as 'that wild run to London that wrecked and ruined me' ('The Lily of St Leonard's'), and most commentators have agreed that his creative and personal deterioration began around 1902 after his return. Late that year the Bulletin's Red Page commented: 'Lawson's London sojourn, short though it was, did not improve him, and, if he wishes to retain the great Australian appreciation he has won, he had better see to his "boyangs" and hump the faithful "Matilda" again. England is no place for ...