Birney, Earle, 1904-1995

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Earle Birney (1904-1995) was educated at Universities of British Columbia, Toronto and California. He lectured in English at the University of Toronto from 1936 to 1941 when he left to serve overseas in World War II. On return, he worked for the CBC in 1945 and in 1946 he joined the Department of English at University of British Columbia, later transferring to the division of Creative Writing. Birney became writer in residence at Scarborough College in 1965. Well known as a poet and writer, Birney published novels, volumes of poetry, short stories, essays and plays. His honours include the Governor General's medal for poetry, the Lorne Pierce gold medal for Literature, the University of Ontario President's medal for poetry and the Stephen Leacock medal for humourous writing.

From the description of Earle Birney fonds. 1948-1952. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606455419