Al Purdy, An Uncommon Poet
The Story
During the first forty-odd years of his life, Al Purdy wrote a lot of bad poetry. Where others would have quit, Purdy persevered until he found his own distinctive voice. And what he said startled people. His unconventional works poeticized barroom brawls, hockey players and homemade beer. Al Purdy's work forced Canadians to re-evaluate their understanding of poetry and themselves. CBC Archives looks back on the long career of one of Canada's most beloved poets.
Al Purdy’s autobiography Reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Al Purdy discusses his autobiography.
Poet Al Purdy’s life in letters
Purdy's correspondence with politicians, poets and personal heroes is published after his death.
Remembering Al Purdy
At the age of 81, Purdy succumbs to cancer.
Mourning Al Purdy
Canadians remember the life of legendary poet Al Purdy.
Al Purdy, the grand old man of Canadian poetry
Friends, family and associates describe the formidable grand old man of Canadian poetry.
Why Al Purdy deserves the Nobel Prize
Poet Dennis Lee makes the case for Purdy.
Al Purdy reads from his poem ‘Concerning Ms. Atwood’
Purdy pokes fun at a formidable CanLit icon.
Al Purdy’s “At the Quinte Hotel”
A dramatization of Purdy's "sensitive man" poem.
A difficult beginning for Al Purdy
Al Purdy describes Ameliasburgh, his rocky start, riding the rails, failure.
Those horrible beautiful trees: Al Purdy moves to rural Ontario
Al Purdy's new project is a labour of begrudging love.
Al Purdy quits his day job
Poetry pays a pittance but Al Purdy manages to get by.
Al Purdy on The New Romans
Al Purdy defends his new book and his anti-American sentiments.
Introducing Al Purdy
At age 48, poet Al Purdy breaks through the literary ranks.