Adam Lindsay Gordon was born at Fayal in the Azores in 1833, but his family returned to England when his father retired from a commission with the Bengal cavalry. Gordon was educated at Cheltenham Great Public School and the Royal Military Academy. The knowledge and admiration of classical literature that is reflected in some of Gordon's poetry was fostered by the headmaster of Worcester Grammar School. From a young age Gordon was passionate about sports, particularly steeple-chasing for which he developed a lasting reputation. His family was displeased with his behaviour and, after he rode a horse to win a steeple-chase without the owner's permission, the young man was banished to Australia in 1853 with a handful of letters of recommendation.
Gordon began a career with the South Australian Mounted Police, but resigned several years later to establish a solid reputation as a horse-breaker. By the mid 1860s he had married and was a disinterested representative in the South Australian Parliament. Gordon continued to read deeply and published his first volume of poetry, The Feud, in 1864. This was followed by Ashtaroth: A Dramatic Lyric (1867), Sea Spray and Smoke Drift (1867) and Bush Ballads and Galloping Rhymes (1870). Gordon's poetry was well received by many critics and other poets such as Charles Harpur and Henry Kendall.
Gordon's legendary horsemanship and galloping rhythms made his poetry favourite material for recitation around Australia. But financial problems and a failed attempt to secure a claim on Gordon lands in Scotland drove Gordon to despair. He shot himself in the early hours of 23 June 1870. Following his death, Gordon's popularity increased. In 1934 he became the only Australian to be honoured with a place in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Gordon's literary reputation suffered when twentieth century critics, searching for realistic descriptions of Australia and themes of mateship, found little in Gordon's poetry. In the 1980s and 1990s, however, some critics revisited Gordon's poetry and challenged earlier evaluations by revealing Gordon's significance in the context of nineteenth century Australian culture.
Gordon was chosen as one of 150 great South Australians by a panel of The Advertiser senior writers to celebrate the 150th Anniversay of The Advertiser newspaper, 12 April 2008.
Australian Poetry Library Author Entry