Klee Wyck

Cover of the 1941 edition

Klee Wyck is an autobiographical work by artist Emily Carr. Published in 1941, the book describes, through short sketches, the artist's experiences among First Nations people and culture on British Columbia's west coast. The book won the 1941 Governor General's Award and occupies an important place in Canadian literature.[1]

Background

Emily Carr (1871 - 1945) is one of western Canada's most well-known artists. Born in Victoria, British Columbia, her paintings use themes from nature, as well as west coast First Nations imagery.[2] In her late sixties, Carr turned to writing, compiling, besides Klee Wyck, six collections of autobiographical sketches.[1]

Carr was an avid traveller, and explored much of the west coast of British Columbia in her lifetime. Some of her experiences on western Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and on the Skeena and Nass Rivers are related in the book. Other stories cover her time living in Vancouver, where she worked as an art teacher.[2]

In 1937, Carr suffered a heart attack. After this, she turned away from painting and began a prolific period of memoir writing. Much of Klee Wyck was composed as she recovered in bed.[1] The original, unpublished title for the book was Stories in Cedar. Carr instead chose "Klee Wyck", a nickname given to her by the First Nations people of Ucluelet. It means "Laughing One".[2]

Carr's painting Kitwancool, (1928)

Publication history

Originally published by the Oxford University Press' Toronto division in 1941, the book was abridged by 2,300 words for the 1951 Clarke, Irwin & Company edition. Removed were several passages critical of the actions of European missionaries, as well as a story about a mixed race family. This version was the basis for all publications of the book until Douglas & McIntyre's 2004 edition restored the text.[3] The original edition also featured four colour plates of Carr's paintings, including a portrait of Sophie Frank. The original foreword was by Ira Dilworth.[3] A French translation was published in 1973.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Dean, Misao (2002). William H. New, ed. Encyclopedia of literature in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. pp. 181–183. ISBN 0802007619.
  2. 1 2 3 Twigg, Alan (1986). Vancouver and its writers. Madeira Park, B.C.: Harbour. pp. 120, 121. ISBN 978-0920080771.
  3. 1 2 Helms, Gabriele. "Restoring Carr". Canadian Literature. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  4. ↑ Besner, Neil. "Klee Wyck". Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Dominion.

External links

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