Sharing the Past: The Reinvention of History in Canadian Poetry since 1960

Sharing the Past is a detailed account of the intertwining discourses of Canadian history and creative literature, arguing that social history has achieved its fullest expression in lyric poetry, providing an inclusive model for a truly social history.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 08 August 2019
\n Publisher: University of Toronto Press
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Sharing the Past is an incredibly comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between Canadian history and creative literature. As social history gained prominence as a distinct field of study in the 1960s, it promised to present fresh narratives that would transport readers away from the exclusive realm of academic writing and closer to the ordinary realities of ordinary people. However, the academic community's unwavering emphasis on professional detachment and objectivity posed significant challenges for historians in establishing a meaningful connection with the experiences they documented, and it effectively hindered the recognition of non-academic experts as legitimate historians within institutional frameworks.

To overcome these barriers, Sharing the Past employs a rich blend of interviews and newly discovered archival materials to construct a comprehensive history of Canadian poetry written since 1960. Through this lens, the book argues that the project of social history has found its most profound expression in lyric poetry, a genre that thrives on personal experiences as its foundation. Since the 1960s, Canadian poets have been at the forefront of developing this genre, providing an inclusive model for a truly social history that indiscriminately grants all individuals the authority to speak authoritatively about the past.

By delving into the rich tapestry of Canadian poetry, Sharing the Past offers a profound insight into the ways in which historical narratives can be enriched and expanded through the lens of artistic expression. It demonstrates that poetry possesses the unique ability to capture the essence of human experiences, emotions, and perspectives, allowing it to serve as a powerful tool for illuminating the past and shaping our understanding of it. Through its meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of history, offering a fresh perspective on the ways in which literature and history can intersect and collaborate to create a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of our shared heritage.

\n Weight: 688g\n
Dimension: 163 x 236 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781487501044\n \n