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The first-ever study of women in Canadian publishing,
Toronto Trailblazers delves into the cultural influence of seven key women who, despite pervasive gender bias, helped advance a modern literary culture for Canada.
Publisher Irene Clarke, scholarly editors Eleanor Harman and Francess Halpenny, trade editors Sybil Hutchinson, Claire Pratt, and Anna Porter, and literary agent Bella Pomer made the most of their vocational prospects, first by securing their respective positions and then by refining their professional methods. Individually, each woman asserted her agency by adapting orthodox ways of working within Canadian publishing. Collectively, and perhaps more importantly, their overarching approach emerged more broadly as a feminist practice. Guided by the resolve to make industry-wide improvements, these women disrupted the dominant masculine paradigm and reinvigorated the culture of publishing and authorship in Canada. Through their vision and method these trailblazing women became agents of change who helped transform publishing practice.
List of contents
Abbreviations
Acknowledgments Introduction
1. "Exceptional in building a Canadian company": Irene Clarke
2. A "Principal Architect" of the University of Toronto Press: Eleanor Harman
3. The "Editorial Conscience" of the University of Toronto Press: Francess Halpenny
4. "She knew the business ... and the Canadian literary market": Sybil Hutchinson
5. A "tremendous job of editing": Claire Pratt
6. Publishing "Maestro" and Cultural Advocate: Anna Porter
7. The "Grande Dame" of Literary Agents: Bella Pomer
Conclusion
About the author
Ruth Panofsky is a professor in the Department of English at Ryerson University.
Summary
Informed by the works of international publishing historians, Toronto Trailblazers artfully captures the lasting influence of women on Canadian publishing.
