Description
Join us for an evening celebrating a cornerstone of Canadian publishing history with the launch of A Precarious Enterprise: Making a Life in Canadian Publishing by Scott McIntyre.
McIntyre has lived, and shaped, the story of Canadian literature. From his early days at McClelland & Stewart to cofounding Douglas & McIntyre in 1970, his career spans the most exhilarating decades in the country’s literary coming-of-age. In this new memoir, McIntyre offers a vibrant, personal account of building one of Canada’s most respected publishing houses—one that championed Indigenous voices, children’s literature, and a generation of authors who helped define our national identity.
A Precarious Enterprise is not just the story of one publisher and his company, but a deeply human look at the people, philosophies, and passions that animated a golden era of Canadian publishing. With anecdotes featuring iconic writers like Farley Mowat, Wayson Choy, Wade Davis, Anna Porter, and many more, this is a must-read (and must-hear!) for anyone curious about the past, present, and future of books in this country.
This event is free but space is limited. RSVP here to save your spot. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
More about Upstart & Crow:
Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.
Accessibility:
The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees.
Questions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
A Precarious Enterprise: Making a Life in Canadian Publishing
In 1970, Scott McIntyre cofounded what became Canadian publisher Douglas & McIntyre. In the intervening years, he has watched the rise and fall of publishers, booksellers, and book trends from every corner of the industry. He saw the founding of a significant independent Canadian publisher in British Columbia, the growth of Indigenous literature and government support for publishers, and the increasing global demand for Canadian books.
Telling stories featuring a colorful array of characters who rebuilt the publishing world following WWII and anecdotes about how book publishing works, McIntyre touches upon the guiding philosophy and historic traditions still animating the industry today. More than the story of one publisher and his company, this is a first-person account of the buoyant period when writers, their books, and the companies who published them changed the nation.
