Robert W. Service
Robert W. Service
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert William Service was born on January 16, 1874, in Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland. He is commonly known as R.W. Service.
Birth and Death Dates
January 16, 1874 – September 11, 1958
Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian poet, novelist, and journalist of Scottish birth
Early Life and Background
Service's family moved to Glasgow when he was a young boy. He showed an early interest in writing and left school at the age of 16 to work as an apprentice accountant. However, his passion for poetry and literature led him to pursue a career in writing.
In 1896, Service emigrated to Canada with his brother, where they worked on a ranch in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. This experience had a profound impact on his writing, providing inspiration for many of his famous poems.
Major Accomplishments
Service's poetry is known for its vivid descriptions of the Canadian wilderness and its people. He published several collections of poetry, including "Songs of a Sourdough" (1907) and "Ballads of a Cheechako" (1909). His work was widely acclaimed and helped establish him as one of Canada's most celebrated poets.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Service's most famous poems is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," which tells the story of a prospector who freezes to death in the Yukon wilderness. Another notable poem is "The Shooting of Dan McGrew," which recounts a tragic event in the life of a young prospector.
Service also wrote several novels, including "The Trail of '98" (1910) and "The Ginger You'll Get" (1921). His work often explored themes of adventure, love, and loss in the Canadian wilderness.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Service's poetry has had a lasting impact on literature. His vivid descriptions of the Yukon landscape and its people have inspired countless readers to explore the region. His work has also been translated into numerous languages, making him one of Canada's most internationally recognized poets.
Service's legacy extends beyond his writing. He played an important role in promoting Canadian culture and identity during a time when the country was still finding its voice on the world stage.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Service is widely quoted for his vivid and evocative descriptions of the Yukon wilderness. His poetry has been praised for its ability to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined Canada's early years. His work continues to be celebrated for its beauty, power, and insight into the human experience.
Service's legacy also extends beyond his writing. He is remembered as a passionate advocate for Canadian culture and identity. His commitment to promoting literature and the arts has inspired generations of writers and artists.
As one of Canada's most beloved poets, Robert Service continues to be widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to literature and his enduring impact on Canadian culture.
Quotes by Robert W. Service
On the ragged edge of the world I’ll roam. And the home of the wolf will be my home.
Write verse, not poetry. The public wants verse. If you have a talent for poetry, then don’t by any means mother it, but try your hand at verse.
No man can be a failure if he thinks he’s a success; If he thinks he is a winner, then he is.
Old Year! upon the Stage of Time You stand to bow your last adieu; A moment, and the prompter’s chime Will ring the curtain down on you.
The only society I like is rough and tough, and the tougher the better. There’s where you get down to bedrock and meet human people.
And each forgets, as he strips and runs With a brilliant, fitful pace, It’s the steady, quiet, plodding ones Who win in the lifelong race. And each forgets that his youth has fled, Forgets that his prime is past, Till he stands one day, with a hope that’s dead, In the glare of the truth at last.
I have an intense dislike for artificial society. In France, one could lead a free life – to do what one wanted to do without interference or criticism from one’s neighbors.
I like to think that when I fall, A rain-drop in Death’s shoreless sea, This shelf of books along the wall, Beside my bed, will mourn for me.
Our breath is brief, and being so Let’s make our heaven here below, And lavish kindness as we go.