What Is 1964 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1964 Governor General's Awards celebrated the best in Canadian literature from the previous year, honoring authors whose works were published in 1963. These awards are among Canada's oldest and most prestigious literary honors, established in 1936 to promote excellence in writing across multiple genres.

Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, the awards are presented annually by the Governor General of Canada. The 1964 ceremony highlighted a diverse range of voices and styles, reflecting the evolving literary landscape of the nation during the mid-20th century.

• Five fiction finalists competed for the top prize, with Gabrielle Roy ultimately winning for her novel *The Hidden Mountain*, a story exploring social change in rural Quebec.
• James Reaney won in drama for *The Killdeer and Other Plays*, a collection showcasing poetic language and symbolic storytelling rooted in Canadian themes.
• Nonfiction category recognized historical and scholarly works, with Pierre Berton’s *The Unknown Soldier* receiving acclaim for its detailed account of Canadian military history.
• Poetry award went to James W. Clarke for *The Storm*, a collection blending natural imagery with introspective verse, reflecting the modernist trends of the era.
• Children’s literature category honored Farley Mowat’s *Lost in the Barrenlands*, a survival story based on Inuit traditions and northern Canadian landscapes.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a structured process for nomination, judging, and selection, ensuring fairness and national representation. Each year, publishers submit eligible books, which are then reviewed by independent juries composed of writers, critics, and scholars.

• Term: The awards honor books published in the previous calendar year. For the 1964 awards, all entries had to be released between January 1 and December 31, 1963.
• Jury selection involves three-member panels for each category, appointed by the Canada Council to ensure impartiality and expertise in the respective literary fields.
• Eligibility requires that authors be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and books must be originally written in English or French.
• Translation category was introduced in 1987, so in 1964, translated works were not eligible—only original English and French compositions were considered.
• Winners receive a $17,000 prize (as of 2023; in 1964, the amount was significantly lower, approximately $1,000 CAD) and a specially designed medal.
• Announcement timing typically occurs in the fall; the 1964 winners were revealed in October, with the Governor General presiding over the official ceremony.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1964 awards differed from modern versions in several key aspects, including prize amounts, categories, and administrative processes. The following table outlines these differences:

While the core mission remains unchanged—celebrating Canadian literary talent—the expansion over time reflects greater inclusivity and recognition of diverse genres and languages. The 1964 awards laid the foundation for today’s more comprehensive structure.

Why It Matters

The 1964 Governor General's Awards played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s literary identity during a period of cultural growth. Recognition from these awards often led to increased readership, international attention, and long-term career advancement for authors.

• Gabrielle Roy’s win solidified her status as a leading figure in Canadian literature, contributing to her eventual induction into the Canadian Literary Hall of Fame.
• James Reaney’s recognition helped bring Canadian drama to national prominence, influencing future playwrights and theater productions.
• Pierre Berton’s success demonstrated the public appetite for accessible historical writing, paving the way for narrative nonfiction as a popular genre.
• Children’s books gaining awards spotlight encouraged publishers to invest more in quality youth literature with Canadian themes.
• The awards elevated French-English literary dialogue, promoting bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding in national arts policy.
• Media coverage of the 1964 ceremony increased public awareness of Canadian authors, helping reduce reliance on foreign literary imports.

Today, the Governor General's Awards remain a benchmark of excellence, with the 1964 edition marking a pivotal moment in the professionalization and visibility of Canadian writers on the world stage.