The Essential George Johnston.

W.J. Keith is a retired professor of English at the University of Toronto and author A Sense of Style: Studies in the Art of Fiction in English-Speaking Canada.

This book is, I understand, the first of a new series based on an admirable principle. An editor is invited to select from the best work of a significant Canadian poet in no more than 50 pages of text, prefaced by a succinct introduction. Brief biographical and bibliographical information is also provided. As a result, a reasonably priced volume can be produced that will prove ideal both for poetry lovers and for teaching purposes. In addition, thanks to The Porcupine’s Quill, it is a decidedly attractive production.

George Johnston is an ideal choice for several reasons. He is technically an excellent poet who deserves to be much better known. His poems, though often profound in implication, are readily accessible. He writes for the most part on human, domestic subjects, often humorously, with wit and elegance. He is also one of those poets whose poems can be read time and time again, yet reveal new pleasures at each rereading.

In this case, the editor, Robyn Sarah, is a mature poet in her own right. She has made an admirable selection that fully illustrates the range of Johnston’s work. He is best known for his first volume, The Cruising Auk (1959), which was remarkable for its comic poise. Sarah wisely gives about a third of her space to this book, but makes sure that the later work, more experimental in technique, and often displaying his talents as—in a literal sense—an occasional poet (verse celebrating weddings, births, and other special occasions) is properly represented. Her three-page preface packs an amazing amount of information and thoughtful appreciation into a small compass, yet manages to be lucid and surprisingly comprehensive.

Johnston richly deserves to have more readers, and this selection provides the means to this end. Above all, it should succeed in introducing a new generation of readers to a significant part of their literary heritage.