What Is 1945 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1945 Governor General's Awards were part of Canada's oldest and most prestigious literary honors, recognizing the best Canadian-authored books published in 1944. Though the awards began in 1936, the 1945 edition marked a continuation of efforts to promote national identity through literature during a transformative postwar era.

Administered initially by the Canadian Authors Association, the awards in 1945 were not yet under the Canada Council, which would take over in 1957. These awards highlighted emerging Canadian voices in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, setting a precedent for future literary recognition.

• Fiction category: Gwethalyn Graham won for Earth and High Heaven, a groundbreaking novel addressing anti-Semitism and social class in Montreal, selling over 100,000 copies by 1945.
• Poetry category: Earle Birney received the award for Now Is Time, a collection reflecting wartime anxiety and personal introspection, notable for its experimental style and emotional depth.
• Non-fiction category: C. W. Jefferys was honored for The Picture Gallery of Canadian History, Volume 2, a richly illustrated work that made historical education accessible to the public.
• Selection process: A jury of literary figures and academics reviewed submissions, with decisions based on literary merit, originality, and contribution to Canadian culture.
• Historical context: The 1945 awards were announced during the final months of World War II, reflecting a national desire to celebrate cultural achievements amid global conflict.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards in 1945 followed a structured process to identify the most outstanding Canadian books of the year, focusing on three core categories. Each submission was evaluated anonymously by expert juries, ensuring fairness and literary excellence.

• Term: The awards were given for books published between January 1 and December 31, 1944. Eligibility required Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, ensuring the focus remained on domestic talent.
• Jury composition: Panels included academics, authors, and critics, typically three members per category, who met in 1945 to deliberate and vote on finalists.
• Submission criteria: Publishers or authors could submit works, with no entry fee required, encouraging broad participation across independent and major publishing houses.
• Category structure: Awards were given in three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry—each with its own jury and evaluation standards.
• Publication requirement: Only books first published in 1944 were eligible, excluding reprints or revised editions from earlier years.
• Award announcement: Winners were publicly announced in early 1945, with no formal ceremony held that year due to wartime restrictions.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1945 Governor General's Awards differed from modern versions in structure, scope, and administration. The table below highlights key differences:

Since 1945, the awards have evolved significantly, now including multiple genres, language divisions, and substantial monetary prizes. The 1945 version lacked financial incentives, focusing instead on honor and recognition, which contrasted with today’s high-profile literary events.

Why It Matters

The 1945 Governor General's Awards played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s literary landscape, promoting national identity and cultural dialogue during a pivotal historical moment. These awards validated Canadian authors at a time when local literature often struggled for recognition.

• Encouraged Canadian authorship: By spotlighting domestic writers, the awards helped reduce reliance on British and American literary imports during the mid-20th century.
• Highlighted social issues: Gwethalyn Graham’s win brought attention to anti-Semitism and gender roles, sparking public conversation in postwar Canada.
• Preserved historical narratives: Jefferys’ non-fiction work contributed to national education, influencing how Canadian history was taught in schools.
• Boosted literary careers: Winning elevated authors’ profiles—Birney and Graham both received international publishing deals following their awards.
• Set award standards: The 1945 process established evaluation norms later adopted by the Canada Council, creating a legacy of literary excellence.
• Cultural legacy: These awards laid the foundation for today’s robust Canadian literary scene, including the modern Governor General’s Literary Awards program.

Ultimately, the 1945 Governor General's Awards were more than accolades—they were milestones in Canada’s journey toward cultural sovereignty and artistic recognition on the world stage.