Richard Gwyn wasn’t just any writer – he was the politically incorrect, sharp-witted commentator Canada needed. Born in Bury St. Edmunds, England in 1934, before making Canada his home, Gwyn was a towering figure in Canadian journalism and literature. He intrigued and infuriated all at once, shining a spotlight on the truths that people often chose to ignore. He passed away in August 2020 in a long-term care home in Canada, but not without leaving a significant imprint on political discourse.
Gwyn's most acclaimed work is undoubtedly his biography trilogy about Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. The trilogy kicked off with 'John A.: The Man Who Made Us,' laying bare Macdonald’s contentious legacy, driving spikes into the hardwood of political history. Gwyn expertly articulated how Macdonald helped forge the national identity of Canada, but he didn't shy away from showcasing Macdonald's vices, painting a complex image of political greatness marred by personal flaws. This trilogy displayed Gwyn's knack for challenging rigid narratives that historians and the politically correct brigade often leave unquestioned.
Gwyn’s career spanned journalism, novels, and essays. His 1980 work "The Northern Magus," explored Pierre Trudeau’s impact, demonstrating Gwyn's masterful storytelling by critiquing the very foundations of liberal mythmaking. At a time when everyone eagerly embroidered Trudeau as the benevolent statesman, Gwyn poked and prodded, revealing a calculated figure who was less of a savior and more of a shrewd political practitioner molding the country's future to fit his vision.
He was not one to play coy with words or tone down his critique to ensure it sat comfortably with polite society. His columns in significant publications like The Toronto Star earned him a reputation for perceptive political analysis that could rattle the timid. Each piece read like a lecture delivered by a professor with little patience for ignorance, instigating an intellectual skirmish with those who dared oppose his views.
In his later years, Gwyn showed little sign of softening. His work as political commentator on television was testament to the enduring vigor of his beliefs. He spoke with authority, weaving historical context with present-day realities, ensuring audiences understood the weight of the past on current events.
Gwyn's award-list would make any writer proud. He was decorated with the Order of Canada and other accolades throughout his career. These honors marked him as a standout journalist and author who elevated Canadian political writing. Gwyn crafted narratives that were not only riveting but refreshingly audacious. His refusal to succumb to popular opinion or political pressure put him in a league of his own in a media landscape eager to toe liberal lines.
Furthermore, Gwyn wasn’t just concerned with macro politics. Scores of his columns featured the intricate labyrinth of urban politics and infrastructure. As policies evolved and cities expanded, Gwyn was there to trace every development with critical insight.
He showed a relentless dedication to truth over appeasement, a rare virtue today's media finds hard to sustain. His writing served, in many ways, as a protest against the often simplistic and idealistic portrayals of social issues.
For aspiring writers, Gwyn stands tall as a model of journalistic integrity combined with literary flair. Those wishing to understand Canadian politics benefit immensely from his works. They remain essential reading for those seeking unvarnished perspectives that challenge the norm.
In short, Richard Gwyn offered Canada a wake-up call through his fearless expressions of political thought. His work wasn’t crafted just to fill bookshelves or to comfortably sit on a coffee table. Instead, they were meant to be read, discussed, critiqued, and in some cases, fiercely debated. He championed the role of the writer as a commentator and provocateur, stirring the national consciousness from complacency to engagement. Therein lies Richard Gwyn’s legacy – an indelible mark left on the pages of Canadian political narrative.