Although virtually unknown to the public, Robert Weaver- radio producer, editor and anthologist - helped to develop Canadian writers for more than half a century. Called the Godfather of Canadian Literature by many he commissioned short stories for CBC radio and in 1979 established the CBC Literary Awards. These have been won by some of the country's most acclaimed writers, including Michael Ondaatje, Carol Shields, Gwendolyn MacEwan, Barry Callaghan, Susan Musgrave and Bonnie Burnard.
His passing is remarked by writers both established and new in this country.
Writers like Alice Munro, Austin Clarke and Mordecai Richlerhave acknowledged their debt to him. From the start of his career at the CBC in 1948, Robert Weaver committed himself to discovering and broadcasting the work of new Canadian writers, in programs such as Anthology andCBC Wednesday Night.
On Feb.12 and 13th the CBC radio program IDEAS presents a two part intimate portrait of the man by Montreal writer Elaine Kalman Naves. Then on Thursday February 21st his legacy continues with the announcement of the winners of this year's CBC Literary Awards.
In this week's Words At Large podcast you can hear reminiscences by award-winning author Alice Munro as well as poet and journalist Barry Callaghan. And don't miss the lighter side of literary traditions when the CBC Radio TALKING BOOKS panel takes on Alan Bennett's lively novella "The Uncommon Reader".
Words at Large is CBC’s online destination for Canadians who love books. Look for something new every day, from CBC programs and podcasts, to interviews with writers and more. Stay tuned for our newly designed and expanded site.
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