George Ernest Morrison wasn't exactly an author in the traditional sense, but a fascinating figure who wore many hats: journalist, explorer, political advisor, and even a library owner! Here's a breakdown of his life:
Life Highlights:
- Born: February 4, 1862, Geelong, Australia [Wikipedia]
- Died: May 30, 1920, Sidmouth, United Kingdom [Wikipedia]
- Known as: "Chinese" Morrison [Australian Dictionary of Biography]
- Professions: Journalist, political advisor, explorer [Wikipedia]
- Owned: The largest Asiatic library ever assembled at the time [Wikipedia]
Early Life and Adventures:
- Son of the headmaster at The Geelong College, Australia [Wikipedia]
- Had a taste for adventure early on - walked from Melbourne to Adelaide and canoed down the Murray River [Australian Museum]
- Studied medicine but his adventurous spirit took him elsewhere [Heritage Guide to The Geelong College]
Career:
- Became a journalist, his early exploits providing him with material [Wikipedia]
- Travelled extensively - even walked across China! [Australian Dictionary of Biography]
- Became the resident correspondent for 'The Times' in Beijing (1897) [State Library of New South Wales]
- Later served as a political advisor to the Chinese government during WWI [Wikipedia]
Legacy:
- His vast collection of diaries, letters, and photographs offer a window into his life and the times [State Library of New South Wales]
- Considered a pioneer in using media to fund exploration [Australian Museum]
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