author
Beckles Willson
1869–1942
A prolific Canadian journalist and historian, he wrote widely on Canada, empire, and public life, bringing a reporter’s eye to the past. His career also stretched beyond the page into military service during the First World War.
5 Audiobooks
Occultism and common-sense
by Beckles Willson
In the Ypres Salient : the story of a fortnight's Canadian fighting, June 2-16, 1916
by Beckles Willson
Canada
by Beckles Willson
The Great Company : being a history of the honourable company of merchants-adventurers trading into Hudson's Bay
by Beckles Willson
Nova Scotia : the province that has been passed by
by Beckles Willson
About the author
Born in Montreal on August 26, 1869, Henry Beckles Willson—usually known as Beckles Willson—became a Canadian journalist, historian, and remarkably productive author. He was educated in Kingston, Ontario, and built a career that linked Canada and Britain, writing books as well as newspaper and magazine pieces on history, politics, transport, and national identity.
Willson is especially associated with historical writing about Canada and the wider British world. His books include works on Canadian history and notable public figures, and his output was broad enough to make him known as a prolific author in his own lifetime. That range gives his writing an appealing mix of research, narrative energy, and strong personal interest in the making of modern Canada.
His life also reached beyond literature. During the First World War, he served as a soldier and later held senior rank, adding direct experience of public service to his career as a man of letters. He died in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, on September 18, 1942.