Ever wonder where your favourite authors went to school? Chances are, they’re closer to you than you would think.
Aside from being a top international research institution, the University of Toronto has also educated its fair share of talented individuals—that includes writers. Many famous creative minds have passed through the University, only to go on to publish best-selling and world-famous novels, poetry, and other literary works. In celebration of the talent that has come and gone through U of T over the years, here are a few of the famous authors that have studied at the University.
Kenneth Oppel
Author of many best-selling works—enjoyed by children and adults alike—Kenneth Oppel completed his Bachelor of Arts at U of T, Trinity College with a double major in English and cinema studies. Interestingly enough, he wrote his second children’s book in his final year for a creative writing course (which is pretty impressive: do you have time to write a book at U of T?). Oppel is the author of the award-winning Silverwing trilogy, the Airborn trilogy, and many other stand-alone novels, all of which have been extremely successful. As of today, he still lives in Toronto.
Northrop Frye
If you frequent the Victoria College campus, you’ve probably heard of Northrop Frye (and not just because of the above statue). Famous for his incredible literary theory and criticism, Frye studied at U of T starting in 1929, taking part in one of the first undergraduate liberal arts programs in North America. After completing his degree in Philosophy and English, he returned to the University to study theology at Emmanuel College. Frye actually also spent 55 years teaching at Victoria College in the Department of English. His works include Fearful Symmetry and Anatomy of Criticism.
Margaret Atwood
Another famous author from Victoria College, Margaret Atwood is one of the most acclaimed writers ever to study at U of T. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts at the University in 1961. Atwood is the author of a vast collection of poetry, as well as award-winning novels like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin, collections of short fiction, non-fiction, and children’s volumes. She has won countless awards, and her works have been translated and published all around the world. Atwood still lives in Toronto; in fact, you can spot her in spirit around Vic campus (look up at the banners!).
Michael Ondaatje
Originally from Sri Lanka, Michael Ondaatje immigrated to Canada in 1962. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from U of T at University College, and pursued further education and teaching. After becoming renowned for his poetry, Ondaatje went on to write several novels—including The English Patient, arguably his most popular novel to date (which was also adapted into a film). Ondaatje has been the recipient of five Governor General’s Awards, and he has also done acclaimed work in literary criticism, editing, and film.
It’s interesting to think about how many successful individuals can trace their pasts back to the University of Toronto. Oppel, Frye, Atwood, and Ondaatje are four prominent examples of the University’s literary legacy, but there are so many more writers who share their educational past. Consider how fortunate we are to attend an institution with such a robust history and reputation for success. Who knows? The next best-selling writer we feature could be you.
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Sources
http://www.kennethoppel.ca/pages/biography.shtml
http://w3.stu.ca/stu/sites/nble/f/frye_herman_northrop.html
http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/margaret-atwood
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/michael-ondaatje/
Image Sources
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1184423/thumbs/o-STACK-OF-BOOKS-facebook.jpg
http://canadacouncil.ca/~/media/images/image%20gallery/governor%20genera…
http://tvo.org/sites/default/files/northrop-frye.jpg
http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/Assets/VICU+Digital+Assets/Events+Victoria/2…
http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/files/2011/01/Margaret-Atwood.jpg
http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/entertainment/books/2013/10/2…