The Force of Culture: Vincent Massey and Canadian Sovereignty

Naomi Brun is a freelance writer and a book reviewer for The Hamilton
Spectator.

From 1952 to 1959, Vincent Massey held the position of Governor General
in this country. At the time, his appointment stirred controversy, for
he was the first Governor General born in Canada. Some of his detractors
believed that a Canadian could not possibly possess the necessary degree
of refinement to act as the monarch’s representative, but these
doubters had nothing to fear. Vincent Massey, in fact, distinguished
himself as the grand patron of Canadian arts and culture.

In her biography, Karen Finlay presents Massey as the greatest cultural
force our country has ever known. He was born into a devout Methodist
family, where he learned that a liberal arts education could be a
powerful force in shaping a sense of moral citizenship. Consequently,
his family donated generously to educational institutions, including the
University of Toronto. Massey travelled to Europe as a young man, where
the art and music inspired him to foster artistic development back in
Canada.

This work tells the tale of a Canadian who promoted the arts to create
a sense of national identity. Finlay’s research is thorough and her
writing style flawless, making this biography a highly illuminating
account of a Canadian politician.

Massey brought Canadian art to the international scene, created the
Canada Council for the Arts, and focused great energy on the National
Gallery of Canada. His legacy is astounding, for he has enriched our
country beyond measure. Anyone who participates in Canadian artistic
life should read this book to learn more about this great benefactor.