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Farley MowatCanadian writer
Date of Birth: 12.05.1921
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Farley Mowat: A Renowned Canadian Writer
- Military Service and Arctic Explorations
- Literary Breakthrough: "People of the Deer"
- Diverse Literary Contributions
- - Children's books: "Lost in the Barrens" (1956)
- Advocacy for Nature
- Legacy and Last Works
Farley Mowat: A Renowned Canadian Writer
Early Life and Nature EnthusiasmBorn on May 12, 1921, in Belleville, Ontario, Farley Mowat was the son of a librarian and author Angus Mowat. During the Great Depression, the Mowats relocated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. There, Farley developed a keen interest in nature and kept an eclectic menagerie of pets, including a squirrel, an alligator, a snake, two owls, cats, and countless insects. Some of these animals would later feature prominently in his writings, such as "Owls in the Family" (1962). At age 13, Mowat launched a bird column in a local newspaper, using his earnings to feed geese that overwintered in the area.
Military Service and Arctic Explorations
At 22, Mowat joined the army, participating in the Allied invasion of Sicily and fighting in Italy. Subsequently, he served as a scout in Holland and Germany. Despite being offered the rank of major, Mowat opted to demobilize at war's end.
His early experiences in the Arctic, where he first visited at age 15, shaped his love of the natural world. This passion would later inspire his groundbreaking book "Never Cry Wolf" (1963), which highlighted his scientific observations on wolves in the Arctic.
Literary Breakthrough: "People of the Deer"
In 1952, Mowat published his acclaimed debut book, "People of the Deer." This work documented his time living with an isolated Inuit community and played a pivotal role in drawing attention to their plight, leading to government assistance.
Diverse Literary Contributions
Throughout his career, Mowat published a diverse range of works, including:
- Children's books: "Lost in the Barrens" (1956)
- War memoirs: "The Regiment" (1955)- Historical accounts: "The Vikings" (1965) and "Westviking" (1965)
- Books on Newfoundland: "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float" (1969) and "A Whale for the Killing" (1972)
Advocacy for Nature
Mowat became an outspoken advocate for the conservation of the North Atlantic environment. His 1984 book "Sea of Slaughter" sparked controversy and led to his temporary ban from entering the United States. Despite this setback, Mowat continued to raise awareness about the plight of marine life.
Legacy and Last Works
Mowat's prolific writing career spanned 44 books, with his final work, "Otherwise," published in 2008. His writings have been translated into 52 languages, garnering a global audience. He left an enduring legacy as a gifted storyteller, naturalist, and advocate for the environment.
