Murdoch, Sir Walter (1874-1970), was one of the most popular essayists in Australian literature. Many of his essays are whimsical reflections on Australian attitudes. They feature straightforward language, literary references, and criticisms of many accepted beliefs and practices of his time.
Most of Murdoch’s essays originally appeared as newspaper columns or as public lectures and talks on radio. His major output occurred during the 1930’s. Five of his books of essays were published as Collected Essays (1938). He also edited the Oxford Book of Australasian Verse (1918, revised 1923, 1945) and coedited Australian Short Stories (1951).
Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch was born on Sept. 17, 1874, in the fishing village of Rosehearty, Scotland, near Aberdeen. He moved to Australia with his family when he was 10 years old. Murdoch attended the University of Melbourne, receiving a B.A. degree in 1895 and an M.A. degree in 1897.
Murdoch became a nationally admired academic figure while at the University of Western Australia. Murdoch was Foundation Professor of English at the university from 1912 to 1939 and served as the university’s chancellor from 1943 to 1947. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom knighted him in 1964. Murdoch University, which opened in Perth in 1974, is named for him.
