Barron Field
Barron Field was a notable figure in early Australian literature and law, recognized primarily as the first person to publish a book of poetry in Australia. Born in London, he pursued a legal career, completing his apprenticeship and being called to the bar around 1814. Field's move to Australia marked a significant period in his life, as he took on the role of the sole judge in the Civil Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. His literary contributions included poetry published in various periodicals and his first major work, "First Fruits of Australian Poetry," released in 1819. In addition to his poetic endeavors, Field also wrote critical pieces for newspapers and published legal texts, showcasing his versatility as both a writer and a legal professional. After returning to England, he continued to practice law and published several novels, although none gained the acclaim of his initial poetry. Field's legacy reflects a blend of literary and judicial achievements that contributes to the cultural tapestry of both Australia and England.
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Barron Field
Writer
- Born: October 23, 1789
- Birthplace: London, England
- Died: April 11, 1846
- Place of death: Torquay, Devon, England
Biography
Barron Field was a poet as well as a judge and a lawyer. He became widely known as the first person to ever publish a book of poems in Australia. Born to Esther Barron and Henry Field, an apothecary at Christ’s Hospital in London, England, Field began his schooling at Christ’s Hospital Bluecoat School. In 1809, Field began serving a legal apprenticeship at the Inner Court and continued until 1814, when he was called to the bar. Three years later, Field married Jane Carncroft and moved to Australia as the only judge in the Civil Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. He returned to England in 1824 and set up his own practice before becoming a judge in the Court of Civil Pleas. Field was retired by 1849.
Before leaving for Australia, Field had written for the London newspaper The Times as a theater critic and for literary periodicals such as the Quarterly Review and The New Monthly Magazine. He also published his first book in 1811: An Analysis of Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England in a Series of Questions was republished several times during the nineteenth century. Field’s poems were frequently printed in the Examiner between 1811 and 1817, when he left for Sydney, Australia. After his retirement, Field published three novels but none of his work was as successful as his first volume of poems, First Fruits of Australian Poetry (1819). Field’s desire to be a successful author in two different countries is evident in his writings. Although his popularity is based on his first Australian publication, Field also made a difference in Australia and England as a judge; his poems were a sidelight of his accomplishments.