Francis Adams (writer)
Literature and politics
Literature and politics
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Adams's energy and drive can be seen in his large written output over a short lifetime. He often wrote quickly and did little revision, living as he did on income from writing. *Songs of the Army of the Night* has been reprinted in many editions, but the reputation of these poems derives from their engagement with social issues, rather than their poetic value. Adams displayed a deep sympathy with downtrodden races and men.

As an activist in the [Social Democratic Federation](/wiki/Social_Democratic_Federation "Social Democratic Federation") the rhetoric of *At the West India Docks* where London dock labourers were working for fourpence an hour, resonated in the labour movement. Some of his verse provoked resentment in Conservative circles, but Adams was part of a rapidly growing political working class movement fired by poverty and exploitation in Britain.

As a writer of novels Adams connected with contemporary social issues. Although his work could be hasty and uneven, it is interesting for its treatment of themes such as the portrayal of women in Australia, of nationalism. For example, *The Melbournians*, is a society romance featuring a central female character and a democratically minded Australian journalist.

Adams had not intended to be a journalist, but once in Australia Adams took to the work quickly and was highly regarded by colleagues in Sydney and Brisbane.


What would happen if authors made their income from other sources?