(a G-G winner for poetry; Ryerson, 1938)
(rare signed copy of above book)
(the title poem)
(1971, Ladysmith Press dj–photos of author, blurb on back cover; photo by Eva Andai)
A child prodigy, Kenneth Leslie (1892-1974) was born on Halloween in Pictou, N.S. His rich, busy life was very dramatic and full of change and disruption as evidenced by his four marriages and many jobs which included songwriter, radio host, editor, political and religious activist, substitute teacher, and lay preacher.
He was called “God’s Red Poet” for being a Christian socialist and edited The Protestant Digest which had a huge circulation. Leslie also wrote a Broadway musical which collapsed in rehearsals, composed songs which were turned down by Tin Pan Alley, and played violin, and sang Gaelic songs on radio in Newark, New Jersey. Interestingly, Charles G.D. Roberts considered Leslie a better poet than E.J. Pratt.