Louis Becke
1855 -1913
Louis Becke Biography
George Lewis 'Louis' Becke (18 June 1855 – 18 February 1913) was an Australian author best known for his short stories and novels set in the South Pacific. Born in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Becke was the son of Frederick Becke, a clerk of petty sessions, and Caroline Matilda Beilby, both English-born. He received limited formal education until his family moved to Sydney in 1867, where he attended Fort Street Model School.
At the age of 14, Becke accompanied his brother to San Francisco, marking the beginning of his extensive travels. By 16, he had stowed away on a ship to Samoa, where he worked as a bookkeeper in Apia. His adventurous spirit led him to various roles, including serving as a supercargo under the notorious 'Bully' Hayes and engaging in trading across the Pacific islands.
In 1892, encouraged by Ernest Favenc and J. F. Archibald, Becke began contributing stories to The Bulletin, an Australian magazine. His first collection, By Reef and Palm, was published in England in 1894, establishing his literary reputation. Over his career, Becke authored over 30 books, including short stories, novels, biographies, and reminiscences, often drawing from his rich experiences in the Pacific.
Becke's writings have been compared to those of Rudyard Kipling, Herman Melville, Joseph Conrad, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Despite his literary success, he faced financial difficulties, as his books were sold outright without royalties. He returned to Sydney in 1909 and continued writing until his death from cancer on 18 February 1913. Becke was survived by his wife, Fanny Sabina Long, and their daughter.
Trivia About Louis Becke
- Becke's first collection, By Reef and Palm, went through seven reprints between 1894 and 1924.
- He co-authored several works with Walter James Jeffrey, including A First Fleet Family and The Mutineer: A Romance of Pitcairn Island.
- Becke's life was the subject of a 1958 ABC radio feature titled Becke Of The South Seas.
Famous Quotes by Louis Becke
- "The sea is a mistress that few can resist, and fewer still can win."
- "Life in the islands is a strange medley of joy and sorrow, of hope and despair."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Louis Becke?
Louis Becke was an Australian author renowned for his stories set in the South Pacific, reflecting his diverse experiences as a trader, traveler, and adventurer.
What are some of Louis Becke's notable works?
Some of his notable works include By Reef and Palm, The Ebbing of the Tide, and Pacific Tales.
How did Louis Becke's experiences influence his writing?
Becke's extensive travels and various roles in the Pacific islands provided rich material for his stories, offering authentic depictions of island life and the interactions between different cultures.
Related Literary Movements
Louis Becke's works are associated with adventure literature and colonial narratives of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often compared to the writings of contemporaries like Joseph Conrad and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Louis Becke books
Other authors you may like
