Out of This World: The Natural History of Milton Acorn

by Chris Gudgeon

Out of this World is a lively biography of Canada's "People's Poet," Milton Acorn, exploring – and exposing – his larger-than-life myths, and tracing his tragic rise and from his youth in Charlottetown, to Montréal in the late '50s, to Toronto and Vancouver in the '60s. His poetry was at once political and personal, informed by both Marxist dogma and intimate experience; his voice unique among Canadian poets. For better or worse, Acorn fearlessly and recklessly embraced life as only he could. A man of great myth, and the subject of much speculation, Acorn died having established himself as one of Canada's most celebrated and popular poets.

239 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

CHRIS GUDGEON is an author, screenwriter, and the creator/producer of the hit television series "Ghost Trackers." He has contributed to dozens of publications ranging from MAD and The National Lampoon to Today's Parent. He has written thirteen books, including An Unfinished Conversation: The Life and Music of Stan Rogers; Consider the Fish; and the hilarious You're Not as Good as You Think You Are: A Demotivational Guide. Chris Gudgeon has also worked for Mattel Interactive, Disney's Creative Wonders, and he has developed websites for television shows. He lives in Victoria, B.C., with his three sons.

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milton Acorn was a true Canadian character, like Stompin' Tom Connors. I learned about his particular brand of poetry in high school and bought a copy of his poetry book ($2.25! also reviewed). Quirky for sure. Island born, (also title of Ch1) he makes "the island" shelf more varied.