George Seddon grew up in Victoria and studied English language and literature at the University of Melbourne. After a period of travelling he became a lecturer in English at the University of Western Australia. He also continued his personal studies, this time in the field of geology and earth sciences. Seddon taught across disciplines in several universities. He had a profound interest in literature, history, philosophy and the environment. (Among his many positions Seddon was founding director of the Centre for Environmental Studies at the University of Melbourne.)
During the course of his academic career, Seddon authored, co-authored or edited over 30 books. His obituarist, Trevor Hogan, said: 'He was a superb stylist whose best metiers wer perhaps the essay, the review and the lecture podium, where he combined and shared with others his acerbic wit, erudition and critical enthusiasm in equal measure'.
Source: Trevor Hogan, 'Academic Couldn't Be Fenced In', Sydney Morning Herald 25 May 2007.