Named the "greatest Australian writer," Henry Lawson holds a central position in the so-called "Australian rural tradition". His work contributed to a perception of Australian identity that marked the 1890s, and that left traces in the way the Australians still see today themselves. The seven short stories selected here were chosen with care so that you enjoy the work of this important author: Bill, The Ventriloquial Rooster The Loaded Dog A Gentleman Sharper and Steelman Sharper A Child in the Dark, and a Foreign Father New Year's Night Water Them Geraniums The Selector's Daughter

One of the great observers of Australian life, Henry Lawson looms large in our national psyche. Yet at his best Lawson transcends the very bush, the very outback, the very up-country, the very pub or selector's hut he conveys with such brevity and acuity- he make specific places universal. Henry Lawson is too often regarded as a legend rather than a writer to be enjoyed. In this selection Lawson is revealed as an author whose delightful, humorous, wry and moving short stories continue to delight generations of readers. This is the essential Lawson collection - the classic of Australian classics. 'Lawson's sketches are beyond praise.' Joseph Conrad'Lawson gets more feelings, observation and atmosphere into a page than does Hemingway.' Edward Garnett

Fatherhood has changed a lot throughout history. It was a long road from the emotionally distant man whose only mission was to provide for the family for the man interested in building a deep relationship with his family. In this book you will find seven short stories specially selected by the critic August Nemo that explore the various faces of fatherhood. This book contains: - The Father by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. - The Christening by D. H. Lawrence. - The Prodigal Father by Jack London. - His Father's Son by Edith Wharton. - A Father's Confession by Guy de Maupassant. - A Child in the Dark, and a Foreign Father by Henry Lawson. - The Daughters of the Late Colonel by Katherine Mansfield. For more books with interesting themes, be sure to check the other books in this collection!

49 stories ranging over 120 years. Stories reflect life in Australia from the early days of hardship to the recognition of a multicultural society and the new agendas for women's, gay and lesbian, and Aboriginal writing.