On the Front Line of Life : Stephen Leacock: Memories and Reflections, 1935-1944

In the last decade of his life, Leacock turned to writing informal essays that blended humour with a conversational style and ripened wisdom to address the issues he cared about most - education, literature, economics, Canada and its place in the world - and to confront the joys and sorrows of his own life. With an introduction that sets them in the context of his life, thoughts and times, these essays reveal a passionate, intellegent, personal Leacock, against a backdrop of Depression and war, finding hope and conveying the timeless message that only the human spirit can bring social justice, peace, and progress.

Alan Bowker worked for thirty-five years in Canada’s foreign service, including serving as high commissioner to Guyana. He has a doctorate in Canadian history and has taught at Canada’s Royal Military College. He has edited two collections of essays by Stephen Leacock, including On the Front Line of Life and Social Criticism. He lives in Ottawa.