Steele Rudd (1868–1935)

Exceptional writing from the 1890s, an insight into life in the 19th century Australian bush that is uproarious and touching. Rudd's sense of humour is very "outback", and not something that I think many of my generation appreciate. I count myself among that number sometimes! But I'm lucky to have the bush in my blood enough to enjoy this. I ultimately prefer Henry Lawson's Joe Wilson stories because of the added layer of tasty despair that he incorporates. But Rudd was writing in the tradition of rural comedy that has persisted for centuries. The tough frontier life, and even just life for those doing it tough in the very real working class of the time (parts of Australia didn't have indoor plumbing until well into the 1970s), was made bearable by that sense of humour, taking the worst of life with a sense of humility and endurance. Beyond the humour, this is an insight into a lifestyle that has all but vanished in our century.… (mais)