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.