Banjo Paterson

Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson (1864-1941) was a poet, solicitor, journalist, war correspondent and soldier. While practising as a solicitor he began writing poetry and had his work published in The Bulletin. He wrote under the pseudonym, 'The Banjo', which was the name of his favourite horse. He became friends with the major Australian writers of his day including a friendly rivalry with Henry Lawson. The publication of The Man from Snowy River on 26 April 1890 with five other ballads made him a household name.