1918-2000

Biography

Born in Wooler, Ontario, Al Purdy is considered one of Canada’s most popular 20th century poets. Among numerous awards and honours, Purdy received the Governor General’s Award for his collection The Cariboo Horses. Purdy published over 30 books of poems, a novel, an autobiography, many essay collections, and his correspondence with the American poet Charles Bukowski. A large statue of Purdy presides over a corner of Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto.

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