The Literary History of Alberta, Volume One: From Writing on Stone to World War Two

by George Melnyk

Overview

This long-awaited, landmark volume chronicles Alberta writing: the writers, their works, and their vigorous and changing landscape. A must for anyone interested in the cultural history of western Canada.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780888642967
Publisher:	University of Alberta Press
Publication date:	04/01/1998
Series:	Alberta Reflections Series
Edition description:	UK ed.
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

George Melnyk is a cultural historian who has published some twenty books in a distinguished career, including works of philosophy, history, politics, and poetry. He teaches in the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary, where he specializes in Canadian cinema.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction: Toward a Literary History of Alberta

1 Writing on Stone: The Aboriginal Tradition
2 Exploration Literature: 1754-1869
3 Territorial Literature: 1870-1904
4 Provincial Literature:1905-1929
5 Depression and War:1930-1945
6 Francophone and Other Literatures: 1820-1945
7 Early Literary Institutions

CONCLUSION Establishing a Cannon

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Both volumes sit on my desk and sometimes get daily reference. I can say or give no better endorsement to this second volume than to say it made me want to read the books discussed." Gordon Morash, Edmonton Journal
"poses a radical challenge to the literary status quo.. The Literary History of Alberta offers tantalizing glimpses into previously unfamiliar prairie literary terrain and provides an initial step in the incorporation of early Native oral, incised, and painted 'texts' into that terrain. Of equal importance, The Literary History of Alberta challenges the hegemony within Canada of the combined literatures of just two other provinces -Ontario and Quebec- which still today often masquerade under the pseudonym of 'The Canadian Literary Tradition.' George Melnyk's book marks a significant contribution to the study and appreciation of the literature of the North American Plains." Pamela Banting, Great Plains Quarterly (U of Nebraska)

From the Publisher