William Kirby
William Kirby (1817-1906) was an English-born writer and editor who played a significant role in the development of Canadian literature. Originally from Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire, he immigrated to the United States as a child, where he began an apprenticeship in tanning. However, Kirby's political beliefs and inclinations led him to settle in Canada in 1839, particularly in Niagara, where he transitioned from tanner to editor of the local newspaper, the Niagara Mail. This editorial position sparked his interest in literature, leading him to write poetry and prose that reflected Canadian themes and ideals.
His notable works include "The U E: A Tale of Upper Canada," a long poem exploring themes of patriotism and love against the backdrop of the Ontario wilderness, and "The Chien D'Or," a prose romance that combines a tale of bravery with tragedy. Although some critiques have noted limitations in characterization and structure in his works, Kirby's writings resonated with readers of his time due to their romantic and melodramatic elements. He contributed significantly to local journalism and literature until his death, and he is remembered as an important figure in the landscape of early Canadian writing.
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William Kirby
Author
- Born: October 13, 1817
- Birthplace: Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorkshire, England
- Died: June 23, 1906
- Place of death: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Biography
William Kirby was born in Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire, England, on October 13, 1817. As a boy he immigrated with his family to the United States, where he was apprenticed to a tanner in Cincinnati. However, his father’s Tory principles and his own inclinations led him to reject the American scene and adopt Canada as his cause as well as his home. After visits to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, he settled in Niagara in 1839. At first he resumed his trade as a tanner, but he soon found an opportunity to become editor of a local newspaper, the Niagara Mail.
Up until this time Kirby had shown no signs of being interested in literature. However, as an editor he discovered a happy congruence between his political opinions and the chance to diffuse them in print. He started writing poetry. The U E: A Tale of Upper Canada appeared in 1859, although it was written in 1846, when Canada was moving toward loosening its ties with Britain. Kirby modeled this long poem on Sir Walter Scott’s unabashedly romantic Marmion, including pastoral descriptions of the Ontario wilderness, an epic journey and battle, and an enduring love story.
His other long work, The Chien D’Or, is a prose romance. It too combines a tale of Canadian patriotism and brave deeds with a love story, in this case a tragic one. The most accessible account of Kirby’s career, in Canadian Writers Before 1890, denies this book the status of novel because it lacks characterization and coherent structure. However, it was enormously popular when it came out, partly because of its exotic setting in the early days of New France and also for its melodramatic elements and black-and-white view of the world.
Kirby also wrote many short poems, broadsheets, and miscellaneous material. He remained in his editorial job at the Niagara Mail for twenty years because it fit so well with his own interests. He also served as a collector of customs. With his wife Eliza and their two sons, he remained in Niagara until his death in 1906. He is remembered as a popular, if not trailblazing, pioneer of Canadian literature.