THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA NOVEMBER 26, 1999

Zwicky wins Governor General’s award

by Robie Liscomb A book of poems that started its existence as a hand-bound volume, each copy sewn together in response to an individual’s request, has won for its author, Dr. Jan Zwicky of the UVic philosophy department, the 1999 Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Zwicky accepted the award, administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, at ceremonies in Ottawa on Nov. 16. In her acceptance speech, Zwicky spoke of “the importance of art for our cultural well-being: art is not merely a decorative enhancement of our lives, but a sign of our collective desire to live in the world fully and honestly.” Songs for Relinquishing the Earth was more formally published in 1998 by Brick Books in London, Ontario after demand outstripped Zwicky’s ability to sew together copies fast enough to keep up with demand. The citation accompanying the prize nomination describes these poems as exhibiting a “compelling and versatile intelligence, along with exquisitely modulated rhythms of feeling. Grounding her elegant metaphysical and aesthetic insights in the physicality of the natural world and our own sensual natures, Zwicky shows that poetry is the best manifestation of philosophy.” In describing her experience in receiving the award, Zwicky says, “There was a lot of media coverage. I’m a poet and a scholar, and I’m not used to the publicity. I’m very glad that poetry and literature were given such national attention and recognition. The laureates were presented to the House of Commons where we were given a standing ovation. We were also received in the speaker’s chambers and congratulated by a number of elected representatives. “I wish there were more awards. It’s obvious that no single book in a genre could be the best, and I wish we could extend that recognition to each and every one of the really wonderful books of Canadian poetry published this year.” Zwicky’s other books include Lyric Philosophy (U. of Toronto Press, 1992), Wittgenstein Elegies (Academic Printing and Publishing, Edmonton/Brick Books, London, 1986), and The New Room (Coach House, Toronto, 1989). Zwicky plans to donate the $10,000 prize to environmental and literary charities. Previous UVic winners of the Governor General’s Literary Awards are: Patrick Lane, poetry, 1978; Jack Hodgins, fiction, 1979; Stephen Scobie, poetry, 1980; Joan MacLeod (alumna), drama, 1991; and Lorna Crozier, poetry, 1992.

Send EMail to The Ring

Return to Ring contents