Charles Harpur (18131868) is now recognised as the forefather of Australian poets. For nearly a century, his life and work remained largely inaccessible and underestimated. Recent scholarship has reassessed their intrinsic worth and increased his reputation. Modern critical opinion sees him as the most substantial of the colonial poets. The National Librarys collection contains, on microfilm, 13 volumes of Harpurs papers and literary manuscripts from 1836 to 1867. A copy of a rare volume of verse, A Poets Home (1862), survives, plus original proof sheets of the poem A Storm in the Mountains.Harpur was highly earnest, imaginative and compassionate but also wilful and impetuous. His temperament caused much chagrin throughout his life, and he led an arduous and precarious existence excluded from public office. Towards the end, Harpur felt despairresentful, neglected and forgotten. Unfortunately his principles and ideals were too lofty for ordinary folk. With no stylistic exemplars to follow, he had ventured alone, relying on instincts. The Harpurian legacy rests on opening colonial eyes to the vitality and beauty of nature, unlocking the mystery of this strange landscape. Generations of Australians have grown to cherish what is commonly called the bush. Through lifelong adroit contributions and dedication to his art, Charles Harpur consummated his poetic mission, attaining a symbolic place in Australian literary history. Today, the boy musing of glory and grace by old Hawkesburys side is acknowledgedas he had hoped in childhood dreams 180 years agoas the First Muse of Australia.
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