Critical Essay | Critical Essay by William Renwick Riddell

Critical Essay by William Renwick Riddell

SOURCE: "An Appreciation," in John Richardson, The Ryerson Press, 1930, pp. 197-208.

In the following excerpt, Riddell argues that Richardson's historical works are superior to his imaginative writings.

The status of Major John Richardson as a maker of Canadian literature is perhaps at the present time, not definitely and finally fixed. Very much a mythical figure, he does not belong even to the class of writers, honored but unread; he is not only unread but he is also unknown. It is probable that his great wish, besides his desire for recognition by those whom he so unreservedly served with pen and sword and who always disappointed him, was to be remembered and honored by succeeding generations of his countrymen. It is true that he once cynically wrote:—"I cannot deny to myself the gratification of the expression of a hope that, should a more refined and cultivated taste ever be introduced...
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