Remembering Graeme Gibson, who loved birds and words
CBC Radio | Posted: September 20, 2019 9:47 PM | Last Updated: September 20, 2019
Graeme Gibson was a tall man. A gentle, gracious man.
Birds give the impression of being free of gravity. They may be associated with whatever survives the body's death. - Graeme Gibson
He was a devoted birdwatcher, conservationist, and partner to writer Margaret Atwood.
Gibson was born in London, Ont., and this week, he died, with Margaret at his side, in London, England. He was 85.
He was a man of letters. He wrote many books, including the novels Five Legs and Perpetual Motion.
Gibson was born in London, Ont., and this week, he died, with Margaret at his side, in London, England. He was 85.
He was a man of letters. He wrote many books, including the novels Five Legs and Perpetual Motion.
He was a literary activist: co-founder of the Writers' Trust and the Writers' Union of Canada, He was one-time president of PEN Canada. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1992.
In short, he was an accomplished man. Ten years ago, Michael Enright spoke to Gibson about his last book. The Bedside Book of Beasts was what he called a "miscellany devoted to alpha predators and their prey."
In short, he was an accomplished man. Ten years ago, Michael Enright spoke to Gibson about his last book. The Bedside Book of Beasts was what he called a "miscellany devoted to alpha predators and their prey."
"Birds give the impression of being free of gravity. They may be associated with whatever survives the body's death," he told Enright.
"They are associated with creativity, with longing, with imagination, with soul and spirit."
Click 'listen' above to hear the full interview.