What Is 1939 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1939 Governor General's Awards recognized the most outstanding Canadian literary works published during the previous year, 1938. These awards were among the earliest formal acknowledgments of Canadian authors and played a pivotal role in shaping the country's literary identity.

Administered before the Canada Council took over stewardship in 1957, the 1939 awards were selected by a jury of literary experts and academics. They highlighted emerging voices and helped elevate Canadian writing on the international stage during a formative period.

• Five categories were awarded: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Translation, reflecting a broad literary scope.
• Gabrielle Roy won the Fiction award for The Tin Flute, a novel set during the Great Depression in Montreal.
• Earle Birney received the Poetry award for his long narrative poem David, a psychological and symbolic exploration of youth.
• The Non-Fiction award went to Agnes C. Laut posthumously for her historical work on Canadian frontier life.
• These awards were among the first to formally recognize French-Canadian authors like Roy, signaling linguistic inclusivity.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards in 1939 followed an informal selection process compared to today’s structured system, relying on editorial nominations and expert panels.

• Term: The awards honored books published in Canada between January 1 and December 31, 1938. Eligibility required Canadian citizenship or residency.
• Jury Selection: Panels of literary critics, academics, and writers reviewed submissions, with no public shortlist released at the time.
• Categories: Awards were given in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Translation—each with its own judging panel.
• Language Rules: Works in both English and French were eligible, though separate juries assessed each language group.
• Publication Requirement: Books had to be published by a recognized Canadian press or printer to qualify for consideration.
• Prize Value: Winners received a medal and a modest cash prize, though the honor carried greater weight than monetary compensation.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1939 awards differ significantly from modern Governor General's Literary Awards in structure, scope, and administration.

While the core mission remains the same—honoring excellence in Canadian literature—the modern awards are far more transparent, inclusive, and financially supported. The 1939 version laid the groundwork for today’s robust literary recognition system.

Why It Matters

The 1939 Governor General's Awards were instrumental in legitimizing Canadian literature as a distinct cultural force. By spotlighting authors like Gabrielle Roy and Earle Birney, the awards helped define a national literary canon during a time when Canadian voices were often overshadowed by British and American works.

• Historical Significance: The 1939 awards occurred just before WWII, capturing a pivotal moment in Canadian cultural development.
• Author Recognition: Winning launched careers—Gabrielle Roy became one of Canada’s most celebrated novelists.
• Bilingual Precedent: Early inclusion of French-language works set a standard for national inclusivity.
• Literary Influence:The Tin Flute influenced later social realism in Canadian fiction.
• Institutional Legacy: These awards evolved into today’s Governor General’s Literary Awards, one of Canada’s top honors.
• Educational Impact: Winning books are now studied in Canadian literature courses nationwide.

The 1939 awards may have lacked today’s publicity and funding, but their cultural impact endures through the authors they elevated and the traditions they established.