John Lesperance
John Lesperance was a prominent 19th-century journalist, poet, and novelist from Missouri, who played a significant role in the development of Canadian literature. Initially preparing for the priesthood with the Jesuit order, he traveled extensively across the United States and Europe before redirecting his career towards journalism. After marrying Parmella Lacasse in Quebec in 1866, he began his professional journey at the News and Frontier Advocate, eventually securing a prestigious position at the Canadian Illustrated News. Lesperance's contributions to literature included founding membership in the Royal Society of Canada in 1882 and serving as the first editor of the Dominion Illustrated News, where he supported emerging writers.
His most notable literary achievement is the 1877 novel *The Bastonnais*, which portrays the U.S. attempts to seize Quebec City, showcasing his narrative talents. In addition to fiction, he was recognized for his critical work, particularly in Canadian poetry, where he praised both French-Canadian and English-Canadian authors. Lesperance's influence extended to fostering unity among writers across Canada, making him a key figure in the literary community of his time.
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John Lesperance
Author
- Born: 1838
- Birthplace: Missouri
- Died: March 10, 1891
Biography
John Lesperance, a nineteenth century journalist, poet, and novelist, was born in Missouri. After studying at St. Louis University, Lesperance began preparing for the priesthood at the Society of Jesus’s Noviate in Florissant, Missouri. During this time, he traveled as a Jesuit scholar to Kentucky, New York, and Belgium, Europe. During the course of his preparation for the priesthood, Lesperance reconsidered and withdrew from the Noviate, and relocated to Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada.
In 1866, after settling in Quebec, Lesperance married Parmella Lacasse and began his career as a journalist. His first job was for the News and Frontier Advocate. While working this job, Lesperance proved his capability as a journalist and soon acquired a more prestigious position in Montreal, Quebec, at the Canadian Illustrated News. He remained in this position from 1873 to the mid-1880’s. In 1882, Lesperance was elected as a founding member of the Royal Society of Canada.
In 1888, Lesperance became the first editor of the Dominion Illustrated News. As editor of the Dominion Illustrated News, Lesperance published works of fiction and poetry written by new writers, many of which went on to become great literary achievers. While Lesperance published many well-received works of fiction, he was best known for his 1877 novel, titled The Bastonnais. This work, a romantic depiction of the United State’s attempt to take over Quebec City, established Lesperance as not only a talented journalist, but also a gifted fiction writer.
Lesperance served as a literary critic and published several critical works of Canadian poetry in periodicals, including “The Poets of Canada” and “American and Canadian Sonnets.” In his critiques, Lesperance spoke equally well of French-Canadian and English-Canadian writers. He lauded the efforts of Canadian poets such as Charles Mair, Francois-Xavier Garneau, and Chalres Sangster. Through his publishing and critical endeavors, Lesperance proved to be a major figure in the development of Canadian literature and a forerunner in the movement to unite writers from upper and lower Canada.