Lloyd Roberts

Born in Toronto on October 14, 1884, William Harris Lloyd Roberts was educated at the University of Toronto and later became known simply as Lloyd Roberts. He built a varied literary career as a poet, dramatist, critic, and editor, and was part of the circle of Canadian writers helping define the country’s cultural voice in the early 1900s.

Roberts published several books of poetry and also wrote libretti, including work connected with Canadian musical and theatrical production. Beyond print, he was active in broadcasting and is remembered as one of the early writers associated with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where his interest in drama and the spoken word found a natural home.

He died on May 23, 1966. Today he is chiefly remembered as a versatile literary figure whose career linked poetry, performance, and broadcasting at a time when Canadian arts institutions were still taking shape.