Nurturing Canadian letters: Four studies in the publishing and promotion of English-Canadian writing, 1890-1920

The thesis is a study of Toronto as a literary centre, focusing on the publishing and promotion of Canadian writing from 1890 to 1920. The first chapter introduces Toronto as a literary centre, outlining the city's cultural institutions and networks. Subsequent chapters are detailed studies of specific attempts to promote Canadian writing.; Chapter 2 examines the Methodist Book and Publishing House, in particular its shift in the late nineteenth century from religious to non-religious publishing. The chapter examines the internal workings of the publishing house in order to explore conditions of authorship in turn-of-the-century Canada and discusses the use of Canadian nationalism as a marketing tool.; Chapter 2 deals with the Macmillan Company of Canada and the cultural role of a publisher as a disseminator of ideas. Established in 1906 as an agency for the London and New York Macmillan houses, the company also developed its own book list. An analysis of these books reveals a strong interest in the development of Canadian nationhood on the part of the publisher.; The next chapter narrows its focus and deals with the publication of an individual work: the Makers of Canada (1903-1908), a twenty-volume history of Canada. The main source for the chapter is a detailed correspondence among the editors and publisher which provides information about the aims of the series, the choice of contributors and biographical subjects, remuneration and profits, and the editing of manuscripts.; The final chapter discusses the role of M. O. Hammond, editor of the literary section and the Saturday magazine of the Toronto Globe (1906-1913). The chapter uses correspondence, Hammond's detailed diary, and Globe articles and book reviews to examine the role of an individual editor in promoting Canadian culture.; The four case studies provide information about the mechanics of the Canadian literary world, as well as about the nature and role of publishers, in the 1890 to 1920 period.