The John H. Meier, Jr. Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction Collection: 1936-2009

This catalogue presents examples of first editions of all the English-language titles that have won Canada’s prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction (GGs) from its inception to the present. If we look at the list as a whole, it soon becomes apparent that it represents most of the great Canadian authors of the twentieth century. This collection thus gives a fascinating perspective on the history of publishing and printing in Canada in the twentieth century. It is my hope and desire that exhibiting highlights from my collection will educate and excite the public about our outstanding literary history. John H. Meier, Jr. Produced to accompany a 2010 exhibit at the University of Alberta’s Bruce Peel Special Collections Library, this illustrated catalogue showcases first editions of all titles to have won the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction, along with a selection of binding variants, presentation copies, association copies, proofs, galleys, and associated miscellany. Collected here are the seminal works of twentieth-century Canadian fiction as they first appeared on the domestic market, making this volume a fascinating contribution to the study of writing and publishing in Canada.