The Order of Things: A Life of Joseph Furphy

by John Barnes

This book tells the life story of Joseph Furphy, author of the Australian classic, Such is Life. Drawing on a multitude of sources, this biography documents hitherto unknown aspects of Furphy's life, and recreates the circumstances of late-nineteenth century Australia from his perspective, throwing new light on the relationship between the author's life and his writing. Portraying Furphy as Christian Socialist, ardent nationalist, moralist, and dedicated writer, The Order of Things also presents a sympathetic and discerning picture of the man himself--his devotion to his family, his unhappy marriage, his stoicism, and his humor--vividly recreating the life of this remarkable man.

438 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

John Barnes (1931) is Emeritus Professor of English at La Trobe University, where he taught for 25 years specializing in Australian literature. In addition to his recent book La Trobe; Traveller Writer Governor (2017), he has previously written two biographies: The order of Things: A Life of Joseph Furphy (1990), and Socialist Champion: Portrait of the Gentleman as Crusader (2006).

Other books include: Joseph Furphy (1963); The Writer in Australia: A Collection of Literary Documents 1856-1964 (1969); Henry Kingsley and Colonial Fiction (1971); The Penguin Henry Lawson: Short Stories (in print since 1986): and (with Andrew Furphy) FURPHY: The Water Cart and the Word (2005). He was founding editor of Meridian: The La Trobe University English Review, and editor of the La Trobe Journal.

His current project is a book of literary reminiscences, Partial Portraits.