• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Institute of Australian Culture

Heritage, history, and heroes; literature, legends, and larrikins

  • Home
  • Articles
  • Biographies
  • Books
  • Ephemera
  • Poetry & songs
    • Recommended poetry
    • Poetry and songs, 1786-1900
    • Poetry and songs, 1901-1954
    • Rock music and pop music [videos]
    • Early music [videos]
  • Slang
  • Timeline
    • Timeline of Australian history and culture
    • Calendar of Australian history and culture
    • Significant events and commemorative dates
  • Topics

short stories and anecdotes

The dying anarchist [short story by Henry Lawson, 15 September 1894]

24 November 2024 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by Henry Lawson was published in The Worker (Sydney, NSW), 15 September 1894.] The dying anarchist. By Henry Lawson. “I see it all now! I was blind to all things save injustice — I was blind to all things save injustice! I could not see the … [Read more...] about The dying anarchist [short story by Henry Lawson, 15 September 1894]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Henry Lawson (1867-1922) (author), short story, SourceTrove, year1894

The birth of Henry Lawson [short story by Gertrude Lawson, 15 October 1921]

30 April 2024 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story, by Gertrude Lawson, regarding Henry Lawson, was published in Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly (Sydney, NSW), 15 October 1921.] The birth of Henry Lawson By Gertrude Lawson (sister of the poet). At sunset a little more than half a century ago, a … [Read more...] about The birth of Henry Lawson [short story by Gertrude Lawson, 15 October 1921]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Gertrude Lawson (1877-1945) (author), Gertrude O'Connor (1877-1945) (author), Henry Lawson (1867-1922) (subject), Louisa Lawson (1848-1920) (subject), publication Aussie The Cheerful Monthly, short story, SourceIACLibrary, year1921

Black cat’s luck [short story by Gertrude Lloyd, 1 December 1903]

30 April 2024 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story, by Gertrude Lloyd (Gertrude Lawson), was published in The Dawn (Sydney, NSW), 1 December 1903.] Black cat’s luck. (Founded on fact.) By Gertrude Lloyd. Jack Wynn moved about the room with deft quick steps preparing his supper. “There, … [Read more...] about Black cat’s luck [short story by Gertrude Lloyd, 1 December 1903]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Gertrude Lawson (1877-1945) (author), Gertrude Lloyd (1877-1945) (author), short story, SourceTrove, year1903

His new love and his old friend [short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), 21 March 1891]

26 March 2024 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), was published in The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 21 March 1891.] His new love and his old friend (For The Bulletin.) In the stuffy, tin-roofed shed that did duty as court-house, at Combalong, sat Trooper … [Read more...] about His new love and his old friend [short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), 21 March 1891]

Filed Under: articles, short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Barcroft Henry Boake (1866-1892) (author), publication The Bulletin (Sydney NSW), short story, SourceTrove, Surcingle (pseudonym) (author), year1891

Pleasure [17 September 1921]

4 December 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This tongue-in-cheek short story was published in “The Moving Picture Show” section of The Sun (Sydney, NSW), 17 September 1921.] Pleasure “Manly Council was indignant at a suggestion read into the remarks of the Chief Harbor Trust Commissioner that Manly was … [Read more...] about Pleasure [17 September 1921]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Circular Quay (Sydney), ferries, humour and humourous stories, Manly ferry (Sydney), short story, SourceTrove, year1921

Bushed [short story, by T. J. Cunningham, May 1904]

2 October 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story, by T. J. Cunningham, was published in Recreation (New York, NY, USA), May 1904.] Bushed. T. J. Cunningham. Six of the niggers had been to the camp that afternoon, headed by their chief, Paddy, and with many grimaces and gestures had made … [Read more...] about Bushed [short story, by T. J. Cunningham, May 1904]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, black trackers, short story, SourceArchiveOrg, T. J. Cunningham (author), word nigger, year1904

A hero of Babylon [short story by C. A. Jeffries, May 1907]

22 July 2022 · Leave a Comment

A hero of Babylon, by C. A. Jeffries, in The Lone Hand, May 1907

[Editor: This short story by C. A. Jeffries was published in The Lone Hand (Sydney, NSW), May 1907.] A hero of Babylon. By C. A. Jeffries. Ashley awoke with the consciousness that something was not right. Very slowly the walls of the cell took on form and density, and, … [Read more...] about A hero of Babylon [short story by C. A. Jeffries, May 1907]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, Charles Adams Jeffries (1869-1931) (author), graphics added, invasion stories, publication The Lone Hand (Sydney), short story, SourceTrove, year1907

“Devil’s luck” [short story, 20 December 1901]

17 May 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story was published in The Westralian Worker (Kalgoorlie, WA), 20 December 1901.] “Devil’s luck.” For the Worker. By J.N. He was a most unlucky dog. Everything he touched, ended in failure. Did he buy scrip? The mine was sure to turn out a … [Read more...] about “Devil’s luck” [short story, 20 December 1901]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: 500x500, publication The Westralian Worker, short story, SourceTrove, year1901

The economies of Binks [short story by L. E. Homfray, 9 December 1921]

2 February 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by L. E. Homfray was published in The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld.), 9 December 1921. It was written in the Australian vernacular.] The economies of Binks. (By L. E. Homfray.) “Now just you listen to this ’ere ’int, ’ow to make 18s. do the … [Read more...] about The economies of Binks [short story by L. E. Homfray, 9 December 1921]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: feminism, L. E. Homfray (1873-1951) (author), short story, SourceTrove, vernacular text, year1921

Heart of a child [short story by L. E. Homfray, 20 October 1920]

2 February 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by L. E. Homfray was published in The Sydney Mail (Sydney, NSW), 20 October 1920.] Heart of a child. Athol Gordon sat in his study writing, but somehow his thoughts would wander from the manuscript before him to a letter he had received that day … [Read more...] about Heart of a child [short story by L. E. Homfray, 20 October 1920]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: L. E. Homfray (1873-1951) (author), publication The Sydney Mail (Sydney), short story, SourceTrove, year1920

The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 3 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 8 February 1908]

12 June 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy) was published in The Western Mail (Perth, WA), 8 February 1908. The story was printed in three parts; part 1 appeared on 25 January 1908, part 2 on 1 February 1908, and part 3 on 8 February 1908.] The discovery of … [Read more...] about The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 3 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 8 February 1908]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: gold prospecting, Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) (author), short story, SourceTrove, Tom Collins (1843-1912) (author), year1908

The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 2 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 1 February 1908]

12 June 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy) was published in The Western Mail (Perth, WA), 1 February 1908. The story was printed in three parts; part 1 appeared on 25 January 1908, part 2 on 1 February 1908, and part 3 on 8 February 1908.] The discovery of … [Read more...] about The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 2 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 1 February 1908]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: gold prospecting, Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) (author), short story, SourceTrove, Tom Collins (1843-1912) (author), year1908

The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 1 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 25 January 1908]

12 June 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy) was published in The Western Mail (Perth, WA), 25 January 1908. The story was printed in three parts; part 1 appeared on 25 January 1908, part 2 on 1 February 1908, and part 3 on 8 February 1908.] The discovery of … [Read more...] about The discovery of Christmas Reef [part 1 of 3; by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), 25 January 1908]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: gold prospecting, Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) (author), short story, SourceTrove, Tom Collins (1843-1912) (author), year1908

A vignette of Port Phillip [by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), September 1906

6 June 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy) was published in Steele Rudd’s Magazine (Brisbane, Qld.), September 1906.] A vignette of Port Phillip. (For Steele Rudd’s Magazine.) If the heaven of the hedonist be found (as some think) in idyllic conditions … [Read more...] about A vignette of Port Phillip [by “Tom Collins” (Joseph Furphy), September 1906

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: Australian Aborigines, Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) (author), short story, SourceJASAL, Tom Collins (1843-1912) (author), year1906

The Dew Fairies, the Gum Babies and the Old Woman [short story for children, by Eva Oakley]

11 April 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story for children, by Eva Oakley, was published in Real Australian Fairy Stories (1945).] The Dew Fairies, the Gum Babies and the Old Woman There once were some exceedingly beautiful Fairies, who, every morning, bathed in the Dew inside the flowers, … [Read more...] about The Dew Fairies, the Gum Babies and the Old Woman [short story for children, by Eva Oakley]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: Eva Oakley (1881-1952) (author), Real Australian Fairy Stories (Eva Oakley 1945), short story for children, SourceSLV, year1945

A Queensland Explorer: Speared to death by blacks [short story, 11 March 1911]

18 January 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: A short story published in The World’s News (Sydney, NSW), 11 March 1911.] A Queensland Explorer. Speared to death by blacks. (By E.J.W.) As he stood breasting the bar of the “Traveller’s Rest,” away on the verge of the “Never Never” country in Western … [Read more...] about A Queensland Explorer: Speared to death by blacks [short story, 11 March 1911]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: Patrick Logan (1791-1830) (subject), short story, SourceTrove, word nigger, year1911

Hapless Eliza [short story, 24 March 1832]

18 January 2021 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story was published in the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (Sydney, NSW), 24 March 1832.] Hapless Eliza. [For the Sydney Gazette]. About two years ago I was induced to visit Australia, with a view to find out or ascertain the fate of a … [Read more...] about Hapless Eliza [short story, 24 March 1832]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: short story, SourceTrove, year1832

A variant: The innocent abroad [short story, 2 October 1927]

31 March 2019 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story was published in The Sunday Mail (Brisbane), 2 October 1927.] A variant The innocent abroad (By “’Varsity Mac.”) Attired in a grey-tweed suit little too large for him, and carrying all the earmarks of a young dairy-farmer from the Darling … [Read more...] about A variant: The innocent abroad [short story, 2 October 1927]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: short story, SourceTrove, year1927

Grapes from a thorn [short story by Agnes L. Storrie, 15 October 1887]

1 February 2019 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by Agnes L. Storrie was published in The Adelaide Observer, 15 October 1887.] The story-teller. Grapes from a thorn. A short story. [By “Ayea” — Agnes L. Storrie, Glenelg.] Being the First-prize Novelette at the S. A. Literary … [Read more...] about Grapes from a thorn [short story by Agnes L. Storrie, 15 October 1887]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: Agnes L. Storrie (1864-1936) (author), short story, SourceTrove, year1887

The great Mendax transmitter [short story by Erle Cox, 27 March 1920]

1 August 2018 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story by Erle Cox was published in The Australasian (27 March 1920).] The great Mendax transmitter. By Erle Cox. He lives a retired, misanthropic life, in spite of his big income. Partly, I think, because he is without exception the vilest-mannered … [Read more...] about The great Mendax transmitter [short story by Erle Cox, 27 March 1920]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: Erle Cox (1873-1950) (author), publication The Australasian (Melbourne Vic.), science fiction, short story, SourceTrove, year1920

Joe Brunnel’s Dream [10 August 1895]

25 April 2017 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This short story was published in The Worker (Brisbane, Qld.), 10 August 1895.] Joe Brunnel’s Dream. Shearing was about to commence at —— station, and about a dozen of the old hands had arrived. Seated in the hut after the usual evening meal, we were relating … [Read more...] about Joe Brunnel’s Dream [10 August 1895]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: racial attitudes, short story, SourceTrove, year1895

The quiet hour [story by C. J. Dennis]

15 January 2017 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This story by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The quiet hour I have found in this Australian scene, of mountain and forest, of shaded creek and fern-filled gully, of cultivated gardens bordered by the virgin bush, much quiet peace and … [Read more...] about The quiet hour [story by C. J. Dennis]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: C. J. Dennis (1876-1938) (author), short story, SourceIACLibrary, The Singing Garden (C. J. Dennis 1935), year1935

The besting of Bombastes [story by C. J. Dennis]

15 January 2017 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This story by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The besting of Bombastes On the day that he brought himself first (and very confidently) under our notice we named him “Bombastes Furioso,” without hesitation, for it seemed to us that no … [Read more...] about The besting of Bombastes [story by C. J. Dennis]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: C. J. Dennis (1876-1938) (author), short story, SourceIACLibrary, The Singing Garden (C. J. Dennis 1935), year1935

Birdland on the dole [story by C. J. Dennis]

15 January 2017 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This story by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] Birdland on the dole The weather-wise up here in the mountain country amongst the big gums are talking of records. Even the oldest inhabitant admits that “he has never seen the likes … [Read more...] about Birdland on the dole [story by C. J. Dennis]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: C. J. Dennis (1876-1938) (author), short story, SourceIACLibrary, The Singing Garden (C. J. Dennis 1935), year1935

The case of Long John Silver [story by C. J. Dennis]

15 January 2017 · 2 Comments

[Editor: This story by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The case of Long John Silver We have always made it a matter of justice that we should feed the magpies as well as the other and lowlier birds about this little clearing in the forest. We … [Read more...] about The case of Long John Silver [story by C. J. Dennis]

Filed Under: short stories and anecdotes Tagged With: C. J. Dennis (1876-1938) (author), short story, SourceIACLibrary, The Singing Garden (C. J. Dennis 1935), year1935

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 8
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

The Institute of Australian Culture
Heritage, history, and heroes. Writers, workers, and wages. Literature, legends, and larrikins. Stories, songs, and sages.

Search this site

Featured books

The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, by Banjo Paterson A Book for Kids, by C. J. Dennis  The Bulletin Reciter: A Collection of Verses for Recitation from The Bulletin The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, by C. J. Dennis The Complete Inner History of the Kelly Gang and Their Pursuers, by J. J. Kenneally The Foundations of Culture in Australia, by P. R. Stephensen The Australian Crisis, by C. H. Kirmess Such Is Life, by Joseph Furphy
More books (full text)

Featured lists

Timeline of Australian history and culture
Significant events and commemorative dates
A list of significant Australiana
Australian slang
Books (full text)
Australian explorers
Australian literature
Recommended poetry
Poetry and songs, 1786-1900
Poetry and songs, 1901-1954
Rock music and pop music (videos)
Folk music and bush music (videos)
Early music (videos)
Topics
Links

Featured posts

Advance Australia Fair: How the song became the Australian national anthem
Brian Cadd [music videos and biography]
Ned Kelly: Australian bushranger
Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]

Some Australian authors

Barcroft Boake
E. J. Brady
John Le Gay Brereton
C. J. Dennis
Mary Hannay Foott
Joseph Furphy
Mary Gilmore
Charles Harpur
Grant Hervey
Lucy Everett Homfray
Rex Ingamells
Henry Kendall
“Kookaburra”
Henry Lawson
Jack Moses
“Dryblower” Murphy
John Shaw Neilson
John O’Brien (Patrick Joseph Hartigan)
“Banjo” Paterson
Marie E. J. Pitt
A. G. Stephens
P. R. Stephensen
Agnes L. Storrie (Agnes L. Kettlewell)

Recent Posts

  • Died on Active Service / Heroes of the Empire [Australian military personnel (WW1, WW2), 24 April 1943]
  • Flooded house on Villiers Street, Grafton (NSW) [postcard, circa 1950]
  • Fossicker’s claim, Daylesford [postcard, circa 1905-1912]
  • The Bathing Beach Flinders [postcard, early 20th Century]
  • The Lass of Yackandandah [poem, 11 June 1857]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Australian slang, words, and phrases
  • Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
  • No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest [poem by Mary Gilmore, 29 June 1940]
  • The Man from Snowy River [poem by Banjo Paterson]
  • The Man from Ironbark [poem by Banjo Paterson]

Archives

Categories

Posts of note

The Bastard from the Bush [poem, circa 1900]
A Book for Kids [by C. J. Dennis, 1921]
Click Go the Shears [traditional Australian song, 1890s]
Core of My Heart [“My Country”, poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 24 October 1908]
Freedom on the Wallaby [poem by Henry Lawson, 16 May 1891]
The Man from Ironbark [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Nationality [poem by Mary Gilmore, 12 May 1942]
The Newcastle song [music video, sung by Bob Hudson]
No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest [poem by Mary Gilmore, 29 June 1940]
Our pipes [short story by Henry Lawson]
Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Shooting the moon [short story by Henry Lawson]

Recent Comments

  • IAC on Those Names [poem by Banjo Paterson]
  • Paul on Those Names [poem by Banjo Paterson]
  • Floyd Black on Eurunderee [poem by Henry Lawson]
  • Warren fahey on The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
  • Julia Sweet nee Mooney on Laughing Mary [poem by John O’Brien]

For Australia

Copyright © 2025 · Log in