Arthur Gordon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Arthur Gordon was a renowned Canadian author, best known by his pen name, Arthur Stringer.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 11, 1875, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Arthur Gordon passed away on September 26, 1953.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gordon's nationality was Canadian, and he worked as an author, writer, and poet. He was a prominent figure in the literary world of his time.
Early Life and Background
Arthur Stringer was born into a family that valued literature and education. His mother was particularly influential in nurturing his love for reading and writing. From an early age, Gordon demonstrated a keen interest in creative writing, often scribbling short stories and poems in his notebooks. As he grew older, his passion for writing only intensified, leading him to pursue a career as a writer.
Major Accomplishments
Gordon's literary output was prolific and diverse. He published numerous novels, short story collections, and essays that showcased his versatility as a writer. Some of his notable works include _The Drummer Boy_ , _The Iron Mitre_ , and _A Man Can Die_. His writing often explored themes related to Canadian identity, the human condition, and social justice.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his literary achievements, Gordon was also an accomplished editor. He worked as the managing editor of the Toronto Globe from 1905 to 1910, where he played a crucial role in shaping the newspaper's editorial voice. During World War I, Gordon served as a correspondent for the _Toronto Daily Star_ , reporting on the front lines and providing first-hand accounts of the conflict.
Impact and Legacy
Arthur Stringer's impact on Canadian literature cannot be overstated. His writing helped to establish Canada as a distinct literary entity, exploring themes and issues that were uniquely relevant to the country's experience. As an editor, Gordon played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural narrative of his time, promoting progressive values and ideas through his work.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Arthur Stringer's enduring legacy can be attributed to his ability to capture the essence of Canadian identity through his writing. His works continue to resonate with readers today, offering insights into the human condition that remain universally relevant. As a writer, editor, and correspondent, Gordon left an indelible mark on Canadian literature, cementing his place as one of the country's most celebrated authors.
Gordon's commitment to social justice and progressive values also makes him a significant figure in Canadian literary history. His writing often addressed issues related to labor rights, immigration, and women's suffrage, providing a voice for marginalized communities during a time when their concerns were frequently overlooked. Today, his quotes continue to inspire readers, reminding us of the power of literature to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place within society.
In conclusion, Arthur Gordon was a multifaceted individual whose contributions to Canadian literature are immeasurable. Through his writing, editing, and reporting, he left an enduring legacy that continues to influence contemporary thought and culture. His commitment to social justice and progressive values remains a testament to the transformative power of literature, ensuring that his words continue to inspire and educate readers for generations to come.
Quotes by Arthur Gordon

At a turbulent public meeting once I lost my temper and said some harsh and sarcastic things. The proposal I was supporting was promptly defeated. My father who was there, said nothing, but that night, on my pillow I found a marked passage from Aristotle: Anybody can become angry--that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way -- that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.

Some people confuse acceptance with apathy, but there's all the difference in the world. Apathy fails to distinguish between what can and what cannot be helped; acceptance makes that distinction. Apathy paralyzes the will-to-action; acceptance frees it by relieving it of impossible burdens.

Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.

You’re thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all. Failure is a teacher – a harsh one, perhaps, but the best. You say you have a desk full of rejected manuscripts? That’s great! Every one of those manuscripts was rejected for a reason. Have you pulled them to pieces looking for that reason? You’ve got to put failure to work for you. That’s where you’ll find success. On the far side of failure.

There was something about him that drove the shyness out of you, a kind of understanding that went deeper than words and set up an instantaneous closeness. It was odd; we couldn’t have been more different. Arthur Gordon

Let’s not be too harsh where poets are concerned. They have to live in no-man’s-land, halfway between dreams and reality.

(It’s) a fair exchange. You’re giving me attention. That’s a form of affection, you know.

Rhythm. Life is full of it; words should have it, too. But you have to train your ear. Listen to the waves on a quiet night; you’ll pick up the cadence. Look at the patterns the wind makes in dry sand and you’ll see how syllables in a sentence should fall. Arthur Gordon

