The Heart of the Ancient Wood

Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts, KCMG FRSC (1860-1943), was a distinguished Canadian poet and prose writer who has been dubbed the 'Father of Canadian Poetry.' A prominent figure in Canadian literature, Roberts was one of the first Canadian authors to achieve international fame. A versatile writer, Roberts penned numerous works of poetry, historical fiction, and natural history, greatly influencing the literary scene in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His narrative style often fused romanticism with an insightful portrayal of nature and wildlife, a theme poignantly depicted in his novel 'The Heart of the Ancient Wood' (1900), a narrative that intertwines human emotion with the deep wilderness of New Brunswick. Roberts' contributions to Canadian literature cannot be overstated; his pioneering efforts in founding the Confederation Poets, a group that sought to foster a distinctive Canadian voice, solidified his status as a literary trailblazer. Moreover, Roberts' extensive body of work - which also includes the notable 'Songs of the Common Day' (1893) and 'New York Nocturnes' (1898) - exemplifies his mastery over language and his dedication to capturing the spirit of the landscapes and peoples he depicted. A member of the Royal Society of Canada, Roberts' legacy endures as both a chronicler of Canadian life and a craftsman of enduring prose and verse.