Poetry
The St. Lawrence and the Saguenay, and Other Poems
Charles Sangster · 1856
Synopsis
One hundred and ten Spenserian stanzas, interspersed with songs, follow a steamer that goes down the St Lawrence from Kingston, crosses the Thousand Islands, passes Montreal and Quebec, then goes up the Saguenay as far as Capes Trinity and Eternity. The poet blends Indian legends and the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm into the landscape, and addresses throughout the young woman he loves. The rest of the volume gathers shorter pieces, sonnets, songs and occasional poems.
Context
In the summer of 1853, the author takes the cruise himself and, on his return, gives in the newspaper where he works a series of travel letters from which he then draws this poem. The volume appeared in 1856 at his own expense, in Kingston and New York, printed at Auburn, in New York State, and sold by subscription. Susanna Moodie wrote to him from Belleville to congratulate him. His papers are held at McGill University, and the volume was reissued in 1972.
Who it is for
A long poem in Spenserian stanzas, in an ornate language, followed by short pieces of varied form.
Prizes and reception
Received on publication as the best book of verse produced in Canada up to that time, and praised as far away as London. Its author is considered the best of the poets before Confederation.
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