Xavier Herbert was an Australian novelist and short story writer best known for his epic works exploring themes of racism, nationalism, and social injustice in Australia. His debut novel, "Capricornia," published in 1938, earned widespread acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of racial discrimination in the Northern Territory and won the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal. Herbert later produced what remains the longest Australian novel, "Poor Fellow My Country," a sprawling 1,463-page satire examining Australian identity and corruption during the 1930s.
Born in 1901, Herbert drew extensively from his experiences growing up in Western Australia and working as the Protector of Aborigines in Darwin, which deepened his commitment to Indigenous rights. His writing often blended sharp social critique with elements of satire and autobiography, as seen in works like "Seven Emus," "Soldiers' Women," and his memoir "Disturbing Element." Though some of his later works received mixed reviews, Herbert maintained a reputation as a provocative and influential figure in Australian literature.
A staunch advocate for Australian self-determination, Herbert remained controversial throughout his life, rejecting colonial honors and challenging societal norms. Despite his increasingly polarizing public persona, his literary contributions, particularly "Capricornia" and "Poor Fellow My Country," cemented his legacy as a bold chronicler of Australia's complex social landscape. He died in 1984 at age 83 during a solo journey through the Australian outback, a fitting end for a writer so deeply connected to the land he depicted in his works.