Thomas Alexander Browne, known by his pen name Rolf Boldrewood, was an Australian author born on August 6, 1826, in London, United Kingdom, to Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell Alexander. Browne emigrated to Australia and became one of the country's prominent writers, particularly recognized for his works set in the Australian outback. His most famous work, Robbery Under Arms, a bushranging novel published in 1882, solidified his place in Australian literary history. He wrote under the pseudonym Rolf Boldrewood to create a distinct authorial identity. Browne's works often explored the harsh realities and the rugged life of early Australian settlers, reflecting the challenges, tensions, and moral complexities of the period. He also gained attention for his insightful depiction of colonial life and his contribution to the popularization of bush literature. Browne had a daughter, Rose Boldrewood, and a sister named Emma Brown. He passed away on March 11, 1915, in Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that contributed greatly to the understanding of Australia's colonial history through literature.
