The Horses of Realism: The Layton-Pacey Correspondence

Early in 1955, literary critic Desmond Pacey (1917-1975) and Montreal poet Irving Layton (1912-2006) met in Montreal, and so began a long friendship and an invaluable correspondence documenting the development of Canadian poetry and criticism after the Second World War. The author points out that the letters are rich in personal drama, recording the triumphs and setbacks of both men, the tensions in their friendships, their often conflicting views on poetry (especially Canadian poetry) and on the role of the poet and critic in contemporary society. The letter include discussions of literary figures past and present, heated arguments on current political and social happenings, an exchange of bawdy jokes, and some frank praises and criticisms of each other's work. The tone of the letters ranges from jocularity to bitter disappointment, from anger to tenderness, from weariness to excitement.

Studies in Canadian Literature/Études en littérature canadienne

Vol. 10

no. 1

183-207

Winter 1985

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