Earle Birney was born on May 13, 1904, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up on a farm, and from a young age, he developed a love for nature and the outdoors. Birney's upbringing on the farm would later influence much of his poetry, as he often wrote about the natural world and the struggles of rural life.
After completing high school, Birney took on various odd jobs to support himself. However, he had a deep passion for literature and writing, so he eventually decided to pursue a higher education. He enrolled at the University of Toronto, where he studied English and graduated with a Bachelor's degree. Birney continued his studies at the University of British Columbia, the University of California (Berkeley), and the University of London, further honing his craft as a poet and writer.
Throughout his career, Earle Birney published numerous poetry collections, short stories, and essays. Some of his most famous works include "Now is Time," "The Bear on the Delhi Road," "David and Other Poems," and "Turvey." His writing often explored themes of love, loss, nature, and the human experience.
Birney received widespread acclaim for his work and was recognized with various prestigious awards. He was a two-time recipient of Canada's Governor General's Award, an honor that is bestowed upon the country's finest writers. Additionally, Birney was awarded the Lorne Pierce Medal for his significant contributions to Canadian literature.
One of Earle Birney's most controversial poems was "David," which he wrote in 1942 on the topic of euthanasia. The poem sparked discussions and debates about the ethical implications of assisted suicide and garnered both praise and criticism from literary critics and readers alike. Despite the controversy, "David" remains one of Birney's most enduring and thought-provoking works.
Earle Birney had a brief marriage to Sylvia Johnston, during which he became exposed to her Trotskyist political views. While their union was short-lived, Birney's time with Johnston had a lasting impact on his own political and social beliefs. Throughout his life, Birney remained outspoken about various social issues and was known for his activism and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Despite his success as a poet and writer, Earle Birney never forgot his humble beginnings on the farm. He continued to draw inspiration from his rural upbringing and used his art as a platform to shed light on the struggles of rural life in Canada.
Earle Birney passed away on September 3, 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and literature that continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.