Followed by "Water Them Geraniums" | Publication date February 1901 Originally published February 1901 Country Australia | |
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Preceded by "Brighton's Sister-in-law" Henry Lawson books A Child in the Dark - and a For, Joe Wilson and His Mates, Over the Sliprails, When I Was King and Other, Verses - Popular and Hum | ||
"A Double Buggy at Lahey's Creek" is a short story by Australian writer and poet Henry Lawson, first published in 1901. It was Lawson's second story to include the character of Joe Wilson; however, chronologically, it is fourth and final in the Joe Wilson series. The story recounts the events that befall Joe Wilson and his family, and which ultimately lead to his buying a double buggy for his wife, Mary.
Contents
Plot summary
The story begins with Joe's earlier, unsuccessful attempts to acquire a double buggy, and how Mary's suggestion to grow potatoes becomes a profitable venture. Following a string of good luck, Joe decides to buy a double buggy for Mary, to show his appreciation for all the sacrifices she has made over the years of their marriage. The surprise gift strengthens what had been a somewhat unstable marriage.
Publication
Lawson finished writing "A Double Buggy at Lahey's Creek" in August 1900. It was first published in Blackwood's Magazine in February 1901, and again that same year in the short story collection Joe Wilson and His Mates.