A PROLIFIC WRITER

Even when he became Canada’s Governor General, Lord Tweedsmuir, John Buchan, did not stop writing. During his time at Rideau Hall from 1935 to 1940, he worked on a biography of the Roman Emperor Augustus, his autobiography, Memory Hold-the-Door, and his last novel, Sick Heart River, which was set in the Northwest Territories.

Over his lifetime, Buchan wrote a total of twenty-nine novels, forty-two non-fiction works, ten biographies, four books of poetry, and two short story collections. He was also the editor of fourteen books.

Nor was he the only writer in the family. His wife, Susan Buchan — Lady Tweedsmuir — wrote several novels, children’s books, plays, and biographies. As Lady Tweedsmuir, she promoted literacy in Canada, organizing a program to send books to remote areas of the West. It was due to her urging that the Governor General’s Literary Awards were established in 1936.

The viceregal couple travelled widely throughout Canada, including the High Arctic, and encouraged Canadians to develop their own distinct identity. In a speech in Montreal in 1937, Lord Tweedsmuir famously stated, “a Canadian’s first loyalty is not to the British Commonwealth of Nations but to Canada and Canada’s King.” He also seemed to be genuinely attached to his new home. In a letter to friends that year, he stated, “I am a passionate Canadian in my love for the country and the people.”

Lord Tweedsmuir’s life ended on Canadian soil. In February 1940 he suffered a stroke, and he died shortly afterwards. Today he is remembered as one of Canada’s most outstanding Governors General. — Kate Jaimet