Banjo Paterson author page

Banjo Paterson biography

Banjo Paterson, born Andrew Barton Paterson, was an Australian poet, journalist, and author. He is best known for his contributions to Australian literature, particularly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Paterson’s poetry and prose often focused on rural and outback life in Australia.

Paterson’s first major collection, The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, was published in 1895 by Angus & Robertson. This collection included the iconic poem “The Man from Snowy River.” In 1896, he published Rio Grande’s Last Race and Other Verses. His works appeared in various newspapers and periodicals, including The Bulletin.

Paterson wrote the lyrics to “Waltzing Matilda” in 1895, which became one of Australia’s most famous folk songs. He also published several books for children, including The Animals Noah Forgot (1933) and The Collected Verse of A.B. Paterson (1921). His prose works include An Outback Marriage (1906) and Three Elephant Power and Other Stories (1917).

Paterson’s literary achievements were recognised with the award of the C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1939. His poetry and stories remain part of the Australian literary canon. The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses has never been out of print since its first publication.