It is hard to find a public library that does not contain at least one volume of poetry written by Bliss Carman, the 'unofficial poet laureate of Canada', although few have ever heard of him.  His proper name is William Bliss Carman, his mother being Sophia Bliss. The Canadian's can thank the American Revolution for him. Bliss is a descendent of Richard Carman "The Loyalist" who left Long Island at the end of the war with the British.

"Born April 15, 1861 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Son of William Carman and Sophia Mary Bliss (Sophia Mary Bliss was a descendent of Daniel Bliss of Concord, Massachusetts, the great-grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson; and was the aunt of Charles G. D. Roberts).

Educated at Collegiate Grammar School, Fredericton, along with his cousin Charles G. D. Roberts. In 1878 entered the University of New Brunswick, where he excelled in classics. Graduated in 1881.

Enrolled in Oxford University, but after only three days of attendance left for Edinburgh University, where some friends from New Brunswick were enrolled; studied physics, mathematics and philosophy. Did not write examinations. Returned to Fredericton in 1883, taught at Collegiate Grammar School, and read law. In 1884, while Roberts was editor of Goldwin Smith's The Week, had his first poem published ("Ma belle Canadienne.")

In 1886 entered Harvard University. At Harvard was influenced by philosophers Josiah Royce and George Santayana. Was also affected by his friendship with Richard Hovey and was influenced by the humanistic, transcendental work of Ralph Waldo Emerson. In 1886 had his poem "Low tide at Grand Pr" published in Atlantic Monthly.

Left Harvard in 1888, and worked as an editor in New York and Boston, for such journals as The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, Current Literature, The Chapbook, The Independent, Literary World, and The Outlook. While at The Independent, published poems by Pauline Johnson, Archibald Lampman, Duncan Campbell Scott and other Canadian authors.

In 1893 published a poetry collection, Low tide on grand pr, winning international recognition; and between 1894 and 1900 published Songs from Vagabondia, a 3-volume series.

In 1896 met Dr. Morris Lee King and his wife, Mary Perry King. Was influenced by the philosophy of Mrs. King. Collaborated with her on The making of personality (1908) and on several other books, brochures, masques and interpretive dances. Moved in 1908 to New Canaan, Connecticut, near the Kings' estate; spent summers in a cabin near their summer home.

Met Madelaine Galbraith at a reception following her appearance in a play at Hart House, University of Toronto. She later lived in New York, studied acting and toured with several companies.

Between 1902 and 1905 published The pipes of Pan (poetry; 5 vol.'s). Edited The world's best poetry (10 vol.'s; 1904) and The Oxford book of American verse (1927). Published five books of essays, three dozen books of poetry and countless limited editions.

Memberships: was made Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1925.

Awards: in 1906 was awarded an LL.D. by the University of New Brunswick; in 1928 was awarded the Lorne Pierce Gold Medal by the Royal Society of Canada; was posthumously awarded a medal by the Poetry Society of America." - Biography from the Victoria University Library, special collections.

CROWNED AS CANADA'S POET

Authors' Associates Bestow Honor on Dr. Bliss Carman

"MONTREAL, Quebec, Oct. 29 - Dr. Bliss Carman has been crowned as Canada's major poet by the Canadian Authors' Association. After he had recited several of his poems to a gathering last night a chorus of children danced around him to the sung compliment of one of his poems and ended by putting a wreath of laurel and maple leaves on his head." (New York Times, page 25, 30 October 1921) 

Canada Honors Bliss Carman

"OTTAWA, Ontario, April 10 (AP) - To Bliss Carman, sometimes called the "Poet Laureate of Canada", has been awarded the Lorne Pierce Medal of the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of his contribution to Canadian literature. This medal is recognized as the highest literary distinction a Canadian can win."  (New York Times, page 6, 11 April 1928)

William Bliss Carman died 8 June 1929 at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut from a cerebral hemorrhage when he fell in his bath.  He is buried in the Forest Hills Cemetery, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

"The ashes of Bliss Carman, Canadian Poet, rest tonight in a tomb over-looking the city of his birth. Contained in a bronze urn, the poet's ashes were brought to Fredericton today by Dr. Morris L. King of New Canaan, Conn., and Mrs. King, executrix of Carman's estate, and were placed under honorary guard for burial after the state memorial service tomorrow. One of Carman's poems will be sung at the memorial service." (New York Times, Page 22, August 20, 1929)