Arthur de Bussières
Arthur de Bussières was a Canadian poet born in 1877 in Montreal, Quebec. Initially working as a house painter, he entered the literary scene with his poem "Ruines," published in 1896. He was an active member of the école littéraire de Montréal, a bohemian literary group founded by Quebec writers aiming to explore new themes and structures in literature. Through this circle, Bussières formed a significant friendship with fellow poet Emile Nelligan, whom he helped introduce to the group. His work gained recognition in various publications, including Franges d'autel and Le Monde illustré, particularly around the turn of the century. After a hiatus from writing between 1902 and 1911, Bussières re-engaged with the literary community, contributing to several journals and continuing to develop his poetic voice. His contributions reflect the evolving landscape of Quebec literature during that era.
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Subject Terms
Arthur de Bussières
Writer
- Born: January 20, 1877
- Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Died: May 7, 1913
- Place of death: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Biography
Arthur de Bussières, the son of Fabien Bussières and Rachel de Beriau, was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1877. He was working as a house painter before he published his first poem, “Ruines,” inLe Monde illustré in 1896. That year, he joined the bohemian literary circle known as the école littéraire de Montréal after presenting to its members three of his poems, “Glaces polaires,” “Couchant d’automne,” and “Comparaison.” The école littéraire de Montréal movement was founded in 1895 by Quebec writers wishing to break free of the dominant thematic and structural constraints on literature in general, and on poetry in particular.
Bussières met close friend Emile Nelligan in 1897. Bussières introduced Nelligan to the école littéraire de Montréal and read members two of Nelligan’s poems, helping to gain Nelligan entry into the community. In 1900, a number of Bussières’s poems appeared in Franges d’autel, edited by Louis Dantin, and in Soirées du Château de Ramezay. He also published poetry in Le Monde illustré,, Le Passe-temps, and Les Débats.
Bussières wrote little between 1902 and 1911, and he departed from the Montreal literary circle in May, 1900, returning in 1910. After his writing revived in 1911, Bussières’s poems again began appearing in Le Passe-temps, as well as in such publications as La Revue populaire, and L’Alliance nationale.