C.J. Dennis, full name Clarence Michael James Stanislaus Dennis (1876-1938), was a prominent Australian poet and journalist. Here's a breakdown of his life and work:
Accolades and Recognition:
- Best known for his best-selling verse novel, "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" (1915).
- Alongside Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson, he championed the use of Australian slang in literature, earning him the title "the laureate of the larrikin" (larrikin being a term for an irreverent but good-natured young Australian).
Life:
- Born in Auburn, South Australia (1876).
- His father ran hotels in various locations throughout South Australia.
- Raised initially by his great-aunts due to his mother's ill health.
- Briefly attended Christian Brothers College, Adelaide.
- Worked various jobs including clerk positions before finding success as a writer.
Literary Work:
- "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" (1915): This work, a series of poems narrated in vernacular Australian English, is his most famous creation. It explores the life and loves of a working-class man in Melbourne.
- Other notable works include "Backblock Ballads and Other Verses" (1913), "The Moods of Ginger Mick" (1916), "The Glugs of Gosh" (1916), and "The Austra-laise" (1919).
Legacy:
- C.J. Dennis is considered a significant figure in Australian literature, particularly for his portrayal of the working class and his use of everyday Australian speech.
- His works continue to be read and enjoyed for their humor, warmth, and insights into early 20th-century Australian life.
