Routledge Introductions to Canadian Literature – serie

When asked the question "what is the power of poetry?," writer Ian Williams said "poetry punctures the surface." Williams' statement—that poetry matters and that it does something—is at the heart of this book. Building from this core idea that poetry perforates the everyday to give greater range to our lives and our thinking, the practical and pedagogical aim of this book is twofold: the first aim is to provide students with an introduction to the key cultural, political, and historical events that inform twentieth- and twenty-first-century Canadian poetry; and to familiarize those same readers with poetic movements, trends, and forms of the same time period. This book addresses the aesthetic and social contexts of Canadian poetry written in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: it models for its readers the critical and theoretical discourses needed to understand the contexts of literary production in Canada. Put differently, readers need a sense of the "where" and "how" of poetic production to help situate them in the "what" of poetry itself. In addition to offering a historically contextualized overview of the significant movements, developments, and poets of this time period, this book also familiarizes readers with key moments of reflection and rupture, such as the effects of economic and ecological crisis, global conflicts, and debates around appropriation of culture. This book is built on the premise that poetry in Canada does not happen outside of political, social, and cultural contexts.

When asked the question "what is the power of poetry?," writer Ian Williams said "poetry punctures the surface." Williams' statement—that poetry matters and that it does something—is at the heart of this book. Building from this core idea that poetry perforates the everyday to give greater range to our lives and our thinking, the practical and pedagogical aim of this book is twofold: the first aim is to provide students with an introduction to the key cultural, political, and historical events that inform twentieth- and twenty-first-century Canadian poetry; and to familiarize those same readers with poetic movements, trends, and forms of the same time period. This book addresses the aesthetic and social contexts of Canadian poetry written in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: it models for its readers the critical and theoretical discourses needed to understand the contexts of literary production in Canada. Put differently, readers need a sense of the "where" and "how" of poetic production to help situate them in the "what" of poetry itself. In addition to offering a historically contextualized overview of the significant movements, developments, and poets of this time period, this book also familiarizes readers with key moments of reflection and rupture, such as the effects of economic and ecological crisis, global conflicts, and debates around appropriation of culture. This book is built on the premise that poetry in Canada does not happen outside of political, social, and cultural contexts.

This study introduces the history, themes, and critical responses to Canadian fantastic literature. Taking a chronological approach, this volume covers the main periods of Canadian science fiction and fantasy from the early nineteenth century to the first decades of the twenty-first century. The book examines both the texts and the contexts of Canadian writing in the fantastic, analyzing themes and techniques in novels and short stories, and looking at both national and international contexts of the literature’s history. This introduction will offer a coherent narrative of Canadian fantastic literature through analysis of the major texts and authors in the field and through relating the authors’ work to the world around them.

This study introduces the history, themes, and critical responses to Canadian fantastic literature. Taking a chronological approach, this volume covers the main periods of Canadian science fiction and fantasy from the early nineteenth century to the first decades of the twenty-first century. The book examines both the texts and the contexts of Canadian writing in the fantastic, analyzing themes and techniques in novels and short stories, and looking at both national and international contexts of the literature’s history. This introduction will offer a coherent narrative of Canadian fantastic literature through analysis of the major texts and authors in the field and through relating the authors’ work to the world around them.

The Routledge Introduction to Gender and Sexuality in Literature in Canada charts the evolution of gender and sexuality, as they have been represented and performed in the literatures of Canada for more than three centuries. From early colonial texts by Frances Brooke, to settler texts by Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Traill, to more contemporary texts by Jane Rule, Alice Munro, Joshua Whitehead, Ivan Coyote, and others, this volume will introduce readers to how gender and sexuality have been variably conceived in Canada and the work they perform across multiple genres. Calling upon recent currents of gender theory and examining the composition, structure, and history of selected literary texts—that is, the “literary sediments” that have accumulated over centuries—readers of this book will explore how those representations shift over time. By examining literature in Canada in relation to crucial cultural, political, and historical contexts, readers will better apprehend why that literature has significantly transformed and broadened to address racialized and fluid identities that continue to challenge and disrupt any stable notion of gendered and sexualized identity today.

The Routledge Introduction to Gender and Sexuality in Literature in Canada charts the evolution of gender and sexuality, as they have been represented and performed in the literatures of Canada for more than three centuries. From early colonial texts by Frances Brooke, to settler texts by Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Traill, to more contemporary texts by Jane Rule, Alice Munro, Joshua Whitehead, Ivan Coyote, and others, this volume will introduce readers to how gender and sexuality have been variably conceived in Canada and the work they perform across multiple genres. Calling upon recent currents of gender theory and examining the composition, structure, and history of selected literary texts—that is, the “literary sediments” that have accumulated over centuries—readers of this book will explore how those representations shift over time. By examining literature in Canada in relation to crucial cultural, political, and historical contexts, readers will better apprehend why that literature has significantly transformed and broadened to address racialized and fluid identities that continue to challenge and disrupt any stable notion of gendered and sexualized identity today.

Who are the most important Canadian crime and detective writers? How do they help represent Canada as a nation? How do they distinguish Canada’s approach to questions of crime, detection, and social justice from those of other countries? The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Crime Fiction provides a much-needed investigation into how crime and detection have been, are, and will be represented within Canada’s national literature, with an attention to contemporary popular and literary texts. The book draws together a representative set of established Canadian authors who would appear in most courses on Canadian crime and detective fiction, while also introducing a few authors less established in the field. Ultimately, the book argues that crime fiction is a space of enormously productive hybridity that offers fresh new approaches to considering questions of national identity, gender, race, sexuality, and even genre.

Who are the most important Canadian crime and detective writers? How do they help represent Canada as a nation? How do they distinguish Canada’s approach to questions of crime, detection, and social justice from those of other countries? The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Crime Fiction provides a much-needed investigation into how crime and detection have been, are, and will be represented within Canada’s national literature, with an attention to contemporary popular and literary texts. The book draws together a representative set of established Canadian authors who would appear in most courses on Canadian crime and detective fiction, while also introducing a few authors less established in the field. Ultimately, the book argues that crime fiction is a space of enormously productive hybridity that offers fresh new approaches to considering questions of national identity, gender, race, sexuality, and even genre.

The Routledge Introduction to Asian Canadian Literature offers an engaging and wide-ranging survey of Asian Canadian literature as a formalized field of academic study. Acknowledging the contested and contingent nature of the term 'Asian Canadian', the volume examines not only the motivations and debates informing the field’s emergence, but also the intellectual strategies and ethical commitments presently expanding its socio-political projects and literary canons. Divided into two main parts, titled Historical Formations and Developing Directions, the volume traces past contours and future projections, drawing connections between the field’s activist roots and current commitments. As a comprehensive introduction to the historical contexts, literary innovations, and scholarly approaches shaping Asian Canadian literature, this introduction acts as an empowering guide, providing scholars and students with the critical insights and practical tools needed to navigate and contribute to the field.

The Routledge Introduction to Asian Canadian Literature offers an engaging and wide-ranging survey of Asian Canadian literature as a formalized field of academic study. Acknowledging the contested and contingent nature of the term 'Asian Canadian', the volume examines not only the motivations and debates informing the field’s emergence, but also the intellectual strategies and ethical commitments presently expanding its socio-political projects and literary canons. Divided into two main parts, titled Historical Formations and Developing Directions, the volume traces past contours and future projections, drawing connections between the field’s activist roots and current commitments. As a comprehensive introduction to the historical contexts, literary innovations, and scholarly approaches shaping Asian Canadian literature, this introduction acts as an empowering guide, providing scholars and students with the critical insights and practical tools needed to navigate and contribute to the field.

This volume aims to introduce undergraduates, graduates, and general readers to the diversity and richness of Canadian short story writing and to the narrative potential of short fiction in general. Addressing a wide spectrum of forms and themes, the book will familiarise readers with the development and cultural significance of Canadian short fiction from the early 19th century to the present. A strong focus will be on the rich reservoir of short fiction produced in the past four decades and the way in which it has responded to the anxieties and crises of our time. Drawing on current critical debates, each chapter will highlight the interrelations between Canadian short fiction and historical and socio-cultural developments. Case studies will zoom in on specific thematic or aesthetic issues in an exemplary manner. The Routledge Introduction to the Canadian Short Story will provide an accessible and comprehensive overview ideal for students and general readers interested in the multifaceted and thriving medium of the short story in Canada.

This volume aims to introduce undergraduates, graduates, and general readers to the diversity and richness of Canadian short story writing and to the narrative potential of short fiction in general. Addressing a wide spectrum of forms and themes, the book will familiarise readers with the development and cultural significance of Canadian short fiction from the early 19th century to the present. A strong focus will be on the rich reservoir of short fiction produced in the past four decades and the way in which it has responded to the anxieties and crises of our time. Drawing on current critical debates, each chapter will highlight the interrelations between Canadian short fiction and historical and socio-cultural developments. Case studies will zoom in on specific thematic or aesthetic issues in an exemplary manner. The Routledge Introduction to the Canadian Short Story will provide an accessible and comprehensive overview ideal for students and general readers interested in the multifaceted and thriving medium of the short story in Canada.

The Routledge Introduction to Auto/biography in Canada explores the exciting world of nonfiction writing about the self, designed to give teachers and students the tools they need to study both canonical and lesser-known works. The volume introduces important texts and contexts for interpreting life narratives, demonstrates the conceptual tools necessary to understand what life narratives are and how they work, and offers an historical overview of key moments in Canadian auto/biography. Not sure what life writing in Canada is, or how to study it? This critical introduction covers the tools and approaches you require in order to undertake your own interpretation of life writing texts. You will encounter nonfictional writing about individual lives and experiences—including biography, autobiography, letters, diaries, comics, poetry, plays, and memoirs. The volume includes case studies to provide examples of how to study and research life narratives and toolkits to help you apply what you learn. The Routledge Introduction to Auto/biography in Canada provides instructors and students with the contexts and the critical tools to discover the power of life writing, and the skills to study any kind of nonfiction, from Canada and around the world.

The Routledge Introduction to Auto/biography in Canada explores the exciting world of nonfiction writing about the self, designed to give teachers and students the tools they need to study both canonical and lesser-known works. The volume introduces important texts and contexts for interpreting life narratives, demonstrates the conceptual tools necessary to understand what life narratives are and how they work, and offers an historical overview of key moments in Canadian auto/biography. Not sure what life writing in Canada is, or how to study it? This critical introduction covers the tools and approaches you require in order to undertake your own interpretation of life writing texts. You will encounter nonfictional writing about individual lives and experiences—including biography, autobiography, letters, diaries, comics, poetry, plays, and memoirs. The volume includes case studies to provide examples of how to study and research life narratives and toolkits to help you apply what you learn. The Routledge Introduction to Auto/biography in Canada provides instructors and students with the contexts and the critical tools to discover the power of life writing, and the skills to study any kind of nonfiction, from Canada and around the world.

This study is a comprehensive overview of the literature produced in Canada during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). Whereas previous examinations of this fertile literary period have been discussed in the context of larger, more abstract terms like "early Canadian literature" and "19th century Canadian literature," this book offers a more narrowly focused examination of the kinds of literary shifts and transformations that occurred as British North America pivoted from its colonial beginnings to its new Confederation (and post-Confederation) reality. Focusing on the four main genres – non-fiction, drama, poetry, and prose fiction – this book draws together a rich corpus of notable works in order to illustrate the hybrid nature of the period’s literature. It also seeks to demonstrate the many ways in which Victorian-Canadian writers engaged in trans-Atlantic and transnational literary experimentation.

This study is a comprehensive overview of the literature produced in Canada during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). Whereas previous examinations of this fertile literary period have been discussed in the context of larger, more abstract terms like "early Canadian literature" and "19th century Canadian literature," this book offers a more narrowly focused examination of the kinds of literary shifts and transformations that occurred as British North America pivoted from its colonial beginnings to its new Confederation (and post-Confederation) reality. Focusing on the four main genres – non-fiction, drama, poetry, and prose fiction – this book draws together a rich corpus of notable works in order to illustrate the hybrid nature of the period’s literature. It also seeks to demonstrate the many ways in which Victorian-Canadian writers engaged in trans-Atlantic and transnational literary experimentation.

The Routledge Introduction to English Canadian Literature and Digital Humanities is a guide to the concepts and theories at the intersection of Canadian literary studies and digital humanities (DH). Equal parts theoretical and practical, it focuses on debates that overlap the two domains. This book historicizes the connections between the two by surveying the history of DH in Canada, the tradition of Canadian writers engaging with technology, and DH analyses of Canadian literature. It also situates both CanLit and DH with respect to contemporary concerns about alterity, and it demonstrates how digital technologies allow writers and scholars to intervene in them.This book complements its theoretical discussions with a practical introduction to DH methods. Using Canadian literary texts and examples from projects at the intersection of CanLit and DH, it introduces key DH approaches to novice readers. Topics covered include data collection, data management, and textual analysis, as well as essential DH tools and the Python programming language. A concluding case study guides readers interested in applying the ideas presented throughout.

The Routledge Introduction to English Canadian Literature and Digital Humanities is a guide to the concepts and theories at the intersection of Canadian literary studies and digital humanities (DH). Equal parts theoretical and practical, it focuses on debates that overlap the two domains. This book historicizes the connections between the two by surveying the history of DH in Canada, the tradition of Canadian writers engaging with technology, and DH analyses of Canadian literature. It also situates both CanLit and DH with respect to contemporary concerns about alterity, and it demonstrates how digital technologies allow writers and scholars to intervene in them.This book complements its theoretical discussions with a practical introduction to DH methods. Using Canadian literary texts and examples from projects at the intersection of CanLit and DH, it introduces key DH approaches to novice readers. Topics covered include data collection, data management, and textual analysis, as well as essential DH tools and the Python programming language. A concluding case study guides readers interested in applying the ideas presented throughout.

The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Comics is a book for the aspiring comics scholar interested in the unique socio-cultural and literary development of comics as an art form in Canada. It is the only comprehensive textbook on Canadian comics and offers not only a thematic and historical overview of comics in Canada, but also frames how to read and write about comics and offers introductory guidance on how to approach comics scholarship. Balancing scholarly depth with an inviting, conversational style, the book demystifies how comics work as multimodal texts and examines the social, legal, and institutional forces—from censorship regimes to prize cultures—that have shaped their production and reception. Each chapter blends critical frameworks, historical context, creator case studies, and pedagogical activities designed to support classroom use. The book traces comics from their earliest use in illustrated newspapers to the dominance of the graphic novel form, with stops to attend to the rise and fall of the Canadian superhero, the power of the independent comics movement, and the importance of Indigenous and queer voices. The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Comics charts the history of comics in Canada as an art form and as a scholarly discipline, and grounds the student reader with the skills and context to contribute to the discourse themselves.

The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Comics is a book for the aspiring comics scholar interested in the unique socio-cultural and literary development of comics as an art form in Canada. It is the only comprehensive textbook on Canadian comics and offers not only a thematic and historical overview of comics in Canada, but also frames how to read and write about comics and offers introductory guidance on how to approach comics scholarship. Balancing scholarly depth with an inviting, conversational style, the book demystifies how comics work as multimodal texts and examines the social, legal, and institutional forces—from censorship regimes to prize cultures—that have shaped their production and reception. Each chapter blends critical frameworks, historical context, creator case studies, and pedagogical activities designed to support classroom use. The book traces comics from their earliest use in illustrated newspapers to the dominance of the graphic novel form, with stops to attend to the rise and fall of the Canadian superhero, the power of the independent comics movement, and the importance of Indigenous and queer voices. The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Comics charts the history of comics in Canada as an art form and as a scholarly discipline, and grounds the student reader with the skills and context to contribute to the discourse themselves.

The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Literature and Illness considers the key literary and historical frameworks for reading stories about sickness. Transcending disciplinary boundaries, this book analyzes narrative depictions of major epidemics, disastrous injuries, mental and maternal health, medical assistance in dying, and the curative effects of decolonization. This accessible and engaging guide illustrates how illness, encompassing states of physical and mental disorder, injury, and disruption, provides structure and focus to many of the most significant works of English narrative published in Canada. Giving distinct consideration to Indigenous authors who may or may not identify as Canadian and whose representations of illness reflect centuries of colonial violence, this volume offers timely resources to think critically and originally about the Canadian canon for fruitful classroom discussion. Students of both literature and health humanities will find that this book deepens their understanding of literary portrayals of illness and the impact of narrative on concepts of affliction and healing.

The Routledge Introduction to Canadian Literature and Illness considers the key literary and historical frameworks for reading stories about sickness. Transcending disciplinary boundaries, this book analyzes narrative depictions of major epidemics, disastrous injuries, mental and maternal health, medical assistance in dying, and the curative effects of decolonization. This accessible and engaging guide illustrates how illness, encompassing states of physical and mental disorder, injury, and disruption, provides structure and focus to many of the most significant works of English narrative published in Canada. Giving distinct consideration to Indigenous authors who may or may not identify as Canadian and whose representations of illness reflect centuries of colonial violence, this volume offers timely resources to think critically and originally about the Canadian canon for fruitful classroom discussion. Students of both literature and health humanities will find that this book deepens their understanding of literary portrayals of illness and the impact of narrative on concepts of affliction and healing.

The Routledge Introduction to Feminisms in Canadian Literature introduces readers to the shifting historical contexts, theoretical approaches, and literary works that have shaped the relationship between feminist movements and literatures written in Canada. Organized around key themes such as work, violence, collaboration, and motherhood, the chapters provide concepts and case study readings that demonstrate various modes of feminist literary analysis. In doing so, the volume illuminates not only how feminists have read and written literature in Canada, but also how students may engage in feminist critique from multiple anti-essentialist and intersectional angles. The book emphasizes the plurality of feminisms in which writers in Canada have participated and underlines the connections between literature and activism, particularly throughout the twentieth century and up to the present.

The Routledge Introduction to Feminisms in Canadian Literature introduces readers to the shifting historical contexts, theoretical approaches, and literary works that have shaped the relationship between feminist movements and literatures written in Canada. Organized around key themes such as work, violence, collaboration, and motherhood, the chapters provide concepts and case study readings that demonstrate various modes of feminist literary analysis. In doing so, the volume illuminates not only how feminists have read and written literature in Canada, but also how students may engage in feminist critique from multiple anti-essentialist and intersectional angles. The book emphasizes the plurality of feminisms in which writers in Canada have participated and underlines the connections between literature and activism, particularly throughout the twentieth century and up to the present.

The Routledge Introduction to Ecopoetics in the Canadian Milieu offers an extensive overview of literature and the environment through Canadian poetry. Providing a brief history of ecopoetics since its origins in British Romanticism and American Transcendentalism, along with key terms from ecocriticism, this unconventional textbook provides students with insight into critical issues of the environment, including widespread pollution, global warming, the degradation of ecosystems, illness, and mass extinction. The volume includes contemporary poets from a wide range of ethnicities and nationalities in Canada, reflecting upon Indigenous poetics, collaborative ecopoetics, reclamation ecopoetics, queer ecopoetics, and other current topics. Each chapter includes a combination of close readings and selective research on poetry, balancing the depth and breadth of ecopoetics in Canada to encourage a variety of discussions in the classroom. This book will be an essential edition in helping students and scholars navigate the fields of Canadian poetry and ecopoetics, and the challenges they pose to our ways of thinking about nature, each other, and other animals.