Acknowledgements

This book was a long spell in the making, and my first thanks must go to Nik Burton, the managing editor of Coteau Books, who never lost sight of it or faith in it. He and Geoff Ursell made excellent editorial suggestions.

Andris Taskans, the executor of Anne Szumigalski's estate, gave good advice at key moments, encouragement at others, and seldom chided me about the length of time I was taking. My gratitude to him, as well as to Kate Bitney and Frances Bitney, for the intelligent support of the Szumigalski family.

Deep thanks to Bob Haverluck, who kindly gave his permission to reprint Prairie Mass, of which he was the co-author and prime mover. He also provided copies of the text, informed me about its performances and explained to me the origin of heartberries.

My questions about particular issues in the manuscript were answered by Tom Bentley, Don Kerr and Pat Dewar. The poem “Kahan” owes its existence to Ben Kahan and its rediscovery to Isa Milman; my thanks to them both. Kitty Lewis was generous with her usual practical wisdom.

I received invaluable help from the staff who work at the University of Manitoba's Archives, McGill University's Division of Rare Books and Special Collections, the University of Regina's Archives and Special Collections, and the Reference Department of the Pointe Claire Public Library.

My wife, Ann Beer, understood the value of all this unpaid work. Even during the years when it ate up half my office and the months when it ate up half my time, she had the grace not to complain. I'm truly grateful.