Subject
Canadian literature -- History and criticism Books
Best books
J. D. (John Daniel) Logan
Highways of Canadian Literature
"Highways of Canadian Literature" by J. D. Logan and Donald G. French is a comprehensive historical survey written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide an extensive overview of Canadian literature in English, tracing its development from the Puritan Migration in 1760 to the late 1920s. The book explores the social and spiritual contexts that influenced Canadian authors and highlights key literary movements and figures, distinguishing between different epochs in Canadian literary history. The opening of the work presents the necessity for a synoptic history of Canadian literature, noting the recent academic interest in this field and the lack of comprehensive resources to guide educators and readers. Logan emphasizes the importance of understanding how Canadian literature has developed in relation to its social, cultural, and historical backgrounds. He argues for a deeper appreciation of this literature, which, while still young, reflects a growing national consciousness and distinct literary identity. The early chapters set the stage for exploring the roots of Canadian literary expression, detailing the influences of various migrations and the foundational works that contribute to the early narrative of Canadian literature.
John George Bourinot
Our Intellectual Strength and Weakness A Short Historical and Critical Review of Literature, Art and Education in Canada
"Our Intellectual Strength and Weakness" by John George Bourinot is a historical and critical review of literature, art, and education in Canada, written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a presidential address delivered to the Royal Society of Canada, and it reflects on the intellectual development of Canada, contrasting it with other regions such as New England. The text aims to illuminate Canada's cultural accomplishments and challenges, emphasizing the significance of intellectual pursuits beyond mere material success. The opening of the work introduces a notion from James Russell Lowell about the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over cultural development, applying this critique to Canada. It sets the stage for Bourinot's exploration of Canada's intellectual landscape, presenting three well-defined eras in the country's advancement. He discusses the foundational French period, the subsequent British influence following the political transition, and the modern era characterized by a burgeoning sense of national identity. Bourinot draws from historical figures, cultural institutions, and prevalent attitudes to reflect on the ongoing struggle for a mature intellectual culture in Canada, setting a thoughtful tone for the detailed analysis that follows.
John George Bourinot
The Intellectual Development of the Canadian People: An Historical Review
"The Intellectual Development of the Canadian People: An Historical Review" by John George Bourinot is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The work provides a comprehensive examination of the intellectual progress of Canada, focusing on the interplay between social, political, and educational changes from various historical periods. The author aims to illustrate how the Canadian populace has evolved mentally and culturally, emphasizing the influence of significant events and governance on the shaping of national consciousness. At the start of the book, Bourinot sets the stage by discussing the initial intellectual lethargy among the Canadian people under the French regime and the subsequent changes post-Conquest. He identifies three pivotal periods in Canadian history, elaborating on how the influx of new populations—especially loyalists during the American War of Independence—and the introduction of parliamentary institutions played crucial roles in stimulating a sense of identity and intellectual engagement. He touches upon the struggles for education and the democratic rights that followed, drawing connections between economic progress, political liberties, and the burgeoning of public discourse and education. The author aims to highlight a steady progress in the intellectual sphere of Canadian life, setting the foundation for deeper discussions in subsequent chapters.
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