Alana Fairchild

Donald George Gutteridge, born in 1937 in Sarnia, Ontario, is a Canadian author recognized for his contributions to poetry, fiction, and academic writing. He was raised in Point Edward, Ontario, and pursued his higher education at the University of Western Ontario, earning a BA Honours in English in 1960. Following his graduation, Gutteridge spent seven years teaching high school English before joining the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario in 1969. He has since achieved the status of Professor Emeritus.

His literary career has been marked by numerous publications across various genres. Gutteridge received the UWO President's Medal in 1970 for his poem "Death at Quebec." His work has been praised by critics, with poet John B. Lee referring to him as a "major poet." Gutteridge's writing often explores themes that touch upon Canadian identity, history, and the human condition. He resides in London, Ontario, and is a father of two and a grandfather to six.

Don Gutteridge's academic journey led him to the University of Western Ontario, where he completed an Honours BA in English in 1960. He dedicated seven years to teaching English at the high school level before transitioning to academia at his alma mater. In 1969, he joined the Faculty of Education at UWO, eventually holding the distinguished position of Professor Emeritus. His prolific writing career spans poetry, fiction, and scholarly works, earning him recognition within Canadian literary circles. In 1970, his poem "Death at Quebec" was honored with the UWO President's Medal, highlighting his early success in poetry.

Gutteridge's extensive body of work includes a significant collection of poetry, with titles such as "Riel: A Poem For Voices" (1968), "Coppermine: The Quest For North" (1973), and "God's Geography" (1982). His fictional endeavors encompass novels and mystery series, including "Bus-Ride" (1974), "Shaman's Ground" (1988), and the "Marc Edwards Mysteries" series which began in 2003. The latter series features titles like "Turncoat" and "Solemn Vows." His writing often delves into historical narratives and character-driven stories, reflecting a broad range of thematic interests.

Beyond his creative writing, Gutteridge has made contributions to literary scholarship and education. His non-fiction works include "Rhetoric: A Unified Approach to Literary Curricula" (1970) and "Teaching English" (2000), reflecting his deep engagement with pedagogical approaches to literature. His academic articles explore various aspects of literature teaching, Canadian mythology, and literary theory. Gutteridge's standing in the literary community is underscored by critical assessments, such as poet John B. Lee's description of him as a "major poet" and reviewer Jack Magnus's observation of a "divine gift."

“major poet”

“has a divine gift”