Canadian Literature
Use the resources below to help you locate Canadian literature and literary criticism.
Locating Canadian Literature
Literature written by Canadian authors can often be identified by a “c” prefix on the call number and/or by a maple leaf icon on the spine. When browsing the non-fiction collection of literature (800-899) for Canadian works, note that most novels and short stories will be classed as c823 (English) or c843 (French), most poetry will be classed as c821 (English) or c841 (French), and most plays will be classed as c822 (English) or c842 (French). Note however that Canadian literature is interfiled with literature by authors of other nationalities, so when searching for a specific item on the shelf that has a "c" designated call number (e.g., c823), simply ignore the prefix for the purposes of locating the item.
You can also use the catalogue to quickly find literary works by Canadian authors. Try the subject search Canadian Fiction or Canadian Literature to get started.
Finding Literary Criticism
Canadian Business and Current Affairs indexes Canadian content as far back as 1933.
Print Indexes are another good place to check. The Book Review Digest 1976 provides references (some annotated) to credible reviews like New York Times, Library Journal, Harper, Newsweek, and more. Or try New York Times online, which contains archived articles from 1851 to 1922 and from 1981 to the present. One last place to check is Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982, which indexes many popular titles of that period.
Key Reference Materials
The Annotated Bibliography of Canada's Major Authors
c820X L46a
This 8 volume bibliography is a useful starting point for materials about major Canadian authors. Although not exhaustive, these wide-ranging bibliographies cover work and criticism in various media, including even archival manuscripts, unpublished theses, and audio-visual material.
A Checklist of Canadian Literature and Background Materials, 1628-1960
015.71 W34c1
1972
The best checklist of Canadian literature and background materials, 1628-1960
Canadian Writers and Their Works Fiction Series
c823.9 C2125L Ref Resources
A multi-volume set of criticism on Canadian writers, including some more obscure authors. Index in Ref. Room provides page numbers in volumes.
Canadian Writers and their works: poetry series
c821.9 C2125L
A multi-volume set of criticism on Canadian poets.
Encyclopedia of Literature in Canada
c820.3 E563n
2002
This reference book brings together 300 leading Canadianists to look at literature in Canada from a variety of perspectives. In over 2000 entries, acknowledging Canada's cultural plurality, the Encyclopedia discusses literature in English and French, and also in such other languages as Yiddish, Spanish, Haida and Cree; authors and their work; related literary and social issues; professional institutions that play a role in the lives of Canadian writers; and the major historical and cultural events that have shaped Canada.
BC Bookworld. (quarterly)
c820.5 B862
A wonderful current awareness tool for BC literary information. Includes profiles and reviews of Canadian writers, with an emphasis on BC.
