Penulis: Walter Jeffery

Louis Becke, born George Lewis Becke in 1855, was a prolific Australian writer and adventurer with a fascinating life that often influenced his literary works. Becke left home at the age of fourteen and led a life of travel and varied employments, including as a trader in the South Seas, experiences that provided rich material for his later writings. He began his literary career in the late 19th century, rapidly gaining recognition for his vivid depictions of the South Pacific. His notable work, “The Naval Pioneers of Australia”, co-written with Walter Jeffery, explores the maritime history of Australia, showcasing Becke”s intricate historical knowledge and narrative flair. Becke”s stories are characterized by their authenticity and engagement with the colonial and indigenous cultures of the Pacific, a result of his immersive experiences in the region. Becke”s literary style is remarked for its mixture of realism and romanticism, effectively capturing the tumultuousness of frontier life and the complexities of cultural interactions. Becke passed away in 1913, leaving behind a legacy that contributed significantly to Australian and Pacific literature, his work providing a window into a fascinating era of seafaring adventure and colonial expansion (Day, 1984; Sørli, 1994).