Author Description

Canadian Writers in 1984 is a special double length, hardback edition of the 100th issue of Canadian Literature. The book not only celebrates a publishing landmark in the history of the journal but also reflects the incredible richness of Canada's contemporary literary scene. The collection features the work of outstanding new writers as well as poems and essays written especially for this issue by Canada's most famous poets, novelists, dramatists, and essayists. Among the 29 essayists are Matt Cohen, Timothy Findley, Naim Kattan, Irving Layton, Dorothy Livesay, Eli Mandel, Jane Rule, Aritha Van Herk, and George Woodcock. The writings exhibit a diversity of styles and themes: Margaret Laurence on war and peace, Eric Nicol on commercial writing, Marian Engel on starting a new novel, James Reaney on regionalism, David Watmough on places, and David Helwig on arguing with God. The poets comprise a virtual "Who's Who" in Canadian poetry today: Margaret Atwood, Bill Bissett, Barry Dempster, Joy Kogawa, Dennis Lee, George McWhirter, Susan Musgrave, Michael Ondaatje, Al Purdy, Robin Skelton, Raymond Souster, and Tom Wayman are among over 60 of the poets represented. Prefaces to the book have been contributed by Governor General Edward Schreyer; Dr. George Pederson, President of the University of British Columbia; and Canada's grand man of letters, Mavor Moore.