George Grant

This collection of letters provides an intimate look at George Grant, revealing his thoughts on politics, religion, and personal struggles throughout his life.

In George Grant, William Christian presents a curated collection of approximately three hundred letters, postcards, telegrams, and journal entries that delve into the life of George Grant, one of Canada's most prominent political and religious thinkers. This compilation reveals the complexities of Grant's character, showcasing both his troubled nature and his bold intellect. Unlike his more measured published works, Grant's correspondence offers a candid glimpse into his thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to understand the man behind the public persona.

The letters span a significant period, from 1923 until Grant's passing in 1988, and highlight his continuous engagement with pressing issues of the time. Christian's selection includes reflections on international relations, Canadian politics, religion, literature, and philosophy. Each letter provides a unique perspective, illustrating Grant's evolution as a thinker and his responses to the changing world around him. The correspondence is particularly valuable for its depth and quality, as Grant's frankness in his letters stands in stark contrast to his more guarded public writings.

Beginning with his formative years at Upper Canada College and Queen's University, the collection captures pivotal moments in Grant's life, including his experiences during World War II and his academic endeavors at Dalhousie and McMaster University. The later letters reveal his critical stance on political figures, notably his unyielding critiques of Pierre Trudeau's policies. Overall, George Grant offers a rich portrait of a man whose thoughts continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of politics and philosophy.