The poet A B 'Banjo' Paterson, best known for his rousing folk classics "The Man from Snowy River" and "Waltzing Matilda," is widely acknowledged as Australia's greatest and most popular balladist. His poems, written with great gusto and humour, celebrate all the romance and rough-and-tumble of old Australia. In this collection, leading Paterson scholar Clement Semmler presents more than 100 of Paterson's poems that reflect the remarkable richness and range of his writings. Generously illustrated with period drawings, this first Penguin edition of Paterson's verse pays tribute to one of Australia's favourite sons – 'the Banjo of the Bush.'

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Not for the love of women toil we, we of the craft, Not for the people's praise; Only because our goddess made us her own and laughed, Claiming us all our days, Claiming our best endeavourÑbody and heart and brain Given with no reserveÑ Niggard is she towards us, granting us little gain; Still, we are proud to serve. Not unto us is given choice of the tasks we try, Gathering grain or chaff; One of her favoured servants toils at an epic high, One, that a child may laugh. Yet if we serve her truly in our appointed place, Freely she doth accord Unto her faithful servants always this saving grace, Work is its own reward!

Banjo Paterson's ability to evoke the sights, sounds and smells of the bush as well as the strength and character of the people who lived there has made him one of Australia's best loved literary figures. This book is illustrated with engravings from the 1880s and 1890s that have been coloured using the latest computer technology.