Trauma, Primitivism and the First World War: The Making of Frank Prewett

This book explores the life of Frank "Toronto" Prewett, a Canadian poet who pretended to be an indigenous North American due to war-induced trauma, and the impact of the First World War on his literary expression and self-representation. It connects various historiographies and sheds light on Prewett's influence and acceptance by significant literary figures of the time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the extraordinary life of Frank "Toronto" Prewett and explores the profound impact of trauma, literary expression, and the power of self-representation following World War I. Author Joy Porter sheds fresh light on how the First World War profoundly influenced the Canadian poet, leading him to adopt a false identity as an indigenous North American. Through meticulous research, Porter uncovers the influence and acceptance Prewett garnered from some of the most significant literary figures of the time, including Siegfried Sassoon, Edmund Blunden, Wilfred Owen, and Robert Graves. By skillfully interweaving a comprehensive history of the WWI era, early twentieth-century history, Native American history, the history of literature, and the history of class, Porter crafts a valuable and insightful contribution to the field.

Prewett's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of identity. Born in London, Ontario, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force at the age of 18, serving in France during the war. However, the horrors of trench warfare took a toll on Prewett, leading to his diagnosis of shell shock, a condition commonly known as PTSD today. In an attempt to cope with his trauma, Prewett began to pretend to be an indigenous North American, adopting the name "Toronto" and claiming to have Native American ancestry.

Porter's book offers a rich and nuanced exploration of Prewett's life and work, shedding light on the ways in which trauma and identity intersect. It explores the societal pressures and expectations that shaped Prewett's decision to adopt a false identity and the challenges he faced in maintaining it. Porter also examines the impact of Prewett's literary expression on his life and the broader cultural landscape of the time. Prewett's poetry, which often reflected his experiences of war and his struggles with identity, resonated with readers and influenced the development of modernist literature.

Through his investigation, Porter also highlights the complexities of the relationship between literature and war. Prewett's decision to adopt a false identity was influenced by his desire to escape the stigma and trauma associated with his war experiences. However, his literary expression also played a role in perpetuating stereotypes and perpetuating the myth of the "noble savage." Porter challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of representing trauma and identity in literature and the importance of nuanced and sensitive storytelling.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the life and work of Frank "Toronto" Prewett, shedding light on the profound impact of trauma, literary expression, and the power of self-representation following World War I. Author Joy Porter's meticulous research and insightful analysis offer a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and history. Prewett's story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of identity, and the enduring power of literature to capture the human experience.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350199729