SOURCE: “The Case for Hugh Hood,” in Canadian Forum, Vol. 60, No. 703, October, 1980, pp. 27–9.

In the following review, Keith maintains that None Genuine Without This Signature offers precision of detail, delicacy of nuance, and firmness of structure.

Is Hugh Hood important? If so, why?

The first question is (for me) readily answered: yes, definitely—though I have to admit that many whose opinions I respect would not share my certainty. But to offer reasons proves anything but easy. It requires as a preliminary a personal confession for which I apologize in advance.

Though I live in Toronto, I am no proper Torontonian: I do not consider it the centre of Canada—let alone, of the universe. Like many urban residents, I frequently yearn for country living but would probably find it irksome if I got there. As a city, Toronto is at least (at present) habitable, but the shades...