One of Henry Lawson’s most commonly occurring characters was Jack Mitchell. In this episode we discuss eight Mitchell stories included in While the Billy Boils (1896). Mitchell is a likable, knock-about swagman who loves telling stories. Lawson’s real-life mate, Jim Gordon, served as one of the models for the character of Mitchell, but as we discuss in the podcast, Jack Mitchell is also a reflection of his creator, Henry Lawson.

Mitchell stories referred to in the episode, collected in While the Billy Boils(August 1896), and listed below in the order in which they appear in that book:

Enter Mitchell. Originally published as “That Swag” in the Bulletin 15 December 1894.

The Man Who Forgot. Originally published in the Truth 6 August 1893.

On the Edge of a Plain. Originally published in the Bulletin 6 May 1893.

Another of Mitchell’s Plans for the Future. Originally published in the Bulletin 1 July 1893.

Mitchell Doesn’t Believe in the Sack. Originally published in the Bulletin 13 May 1893.

Shooting the Moon. Originally published in the Worker 22 September 1894.

Mitchell: A Character Sketch. Originally published in the Bulletin 15 April 1893.

Our Pipes. Originally published in the Bulletin 11 May 1895.