Earle Birney

Poet

Birthday May 13, 1904

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Canada

DEATH DATE Sep 3, 1995 (91)

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About

Canadian poet and author whose most famous works include Now is Time, The Bear on the Delhi Road, David and Other Poems, and Turvey. He received both the Governor General's Award and the Lorne Pierce Medal.

Before Fame

He grew up on a farm and held many odd jobs before studying at the Universities of Toronto, British Columbia, California (Berkeley), and London.

Trivia

His 1942 poem "David," written on the topic of euthanasia, was both popular and controversial.

Family Life

During his brief marriage to Sylvia Johnston, he began sharing his wife's Trotskyist political views.

Associated With

He won Canada's Governor General's Award twice in his life; poet E.J. Pratt was a three-time recipient of the honor.