автор: Julius E. Olson

Stephen Butler Leacock (1869–1944) was an esteemed Canadian author and humorist, renowned for his light-hearted yet insightful satire and wit. Born in England, Leacock emigrated to Canada in his youth and subsequently laid roots in the fabric of Canadian literature. He is perhaps best remembered for «Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town» (1912), a book that fondly caricatures small-town life in Canada. While «A Discovery of the New World» is not among his most cited works, Leacock»s extensive bibliography, which includes «Literary Lapses» (1910), «Nonsense Novels» (1911), and «Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich» (1914), reflects his sharp observational comedy and his capacity to critique social norms and human follies with a gentle yet piercing humor. Leacock»s literary style is marked by a blend of whimsy and incisive social commentary, a mix that earned him international acclaim and the status of one of Canada»s most beloved literary figures. Leacock»s influence extended beyond the literary sphere; he was also a respected academic, holding the position of chair of political economy at Mc Gill University. His contributions to Canadian literature and education were recognized with numerous honorary degrees and accolades, consolidating his legacy as a titan of humor and a beacon of Canadian culture.