While the Billy Boils

Henry Lawson's While the Billy Boils, first published in 1896, is the classic collection of Australian short fiction. These stories take you into the bush and the city of the 1890s, among shearers, selectors, swagmen, publicans, and children. Lawson writes with plain humour and unsentimental sympathy about hard work, drought, mateship, and the small moments that reveal a life.

This edition contains the complete text of the original collection, including both series and all the stories in their published order. A new introduction places Lawson and his work in context for first-time readers. A character guide introduces recurring figures such as Mitchell, Steelman and Smith, and others from single stories. A summary follows the collection from beginning to end, and a themes section explores the ideas that run through the stories. A glossary explains period words and bush terms, and discussion questions are provided for readers, students, and book clubs.

Whether you are new to Lawson or returning to these stories, this companion edition offers a clear and helpful way into one of the foundational works of Australian literature.