Thomas Bracken, 1843–1898

Abstract

Thomas Bracken was New Zealand’s most famous and well-loved poet of the nineteenth century. He was considered by many to be New Zealand’s national poet, and he has an enduring place in New Zealand’s literary history because he wrote the words to the national hymn ‘God Defend New Zealand’. He was considered to be New Zealand’s Tennyson, and he encouraged the comparison himself. Although his poetry is sentimental and possesses too strong a focus on England for modern readers, it exhibits Bracken’s love for his country, and provides a fine example of popular Victorian sentiment.