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Donald Creighton: A Life in History

Aleksandr Pushkin

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Donald Creighton was one of the most influential Canadian historians of the 20th century. He was born in Toronto in 1902 and died in 1979. He taught at the University of Toronto for most of his career, and he wrote extensively about Canadian history. His most famous book, The Empire of the St. Lawrence, was published in 1937 and is still considered a classic work of Canadian historiography.

Creighton was a brilliant scholar and a gifted writer. He had a deep understanding of Canadian history, and he was able to write about it in a clear and engaging way. He was also a controversial figure. His views on Canadian history were often at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy, and he was not afraid to express his opinions. This made him a target for criticism from some historians, but it also earned him a loyal following among readers who appreciated his honesty and his insights.

Donald Creighton: A Life in History

by Donald A. Wright

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17848 KB
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Print length	:	496 pages

Creighton's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of Canadian history. He helped to shape the way we think about our past, and he challenged us to confront some of the difficult truths about our history. He was a great historian, and his work will continue to be read and debated for many years to come.

Creighton's Early Life and Education

Donald Creighton was born in Toronto in 1902. His father was a Methodist minister, and his mother was a teacher. Creighton was a bright and inquisitive child, and he developed a passion for history at an early age. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied history and political science. He graduated in 1923 with a first-class honours degree.

After graduating from university, Creighton spent two years working as a journalist. He then returned to the University of Toronto to pursue a graduate degree in history. He completed his PhD in 1929, and his dissertation was published as his first book, The Commercial Empire of the St. Lawrence.

Creighton's Career as a Historian

Creighton began his teaching career at the University of Toronto in 1929. He was a popular and influential teacher, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He became a full professor in 1937, and he served as head of the history department from 1947 to 1952.

Creighton was a prolific writer. He published over 20 books and numerous articles on Canadian history. His most famous book, The Empire of the St. Lawrence, was published in 1937. This book argued that the St. Lawrence River was the key to understanding Canadian history. Creighton believed that the river had shaped the country's political, economic, and social development.

Creighton's other major works include The Road to Confederation (1964),The Young Alexander Mackenzie (1955),and John A. Macdonald: The Old Chieftain (1955).

Creighton's Controversial Views

Creighton was a controversial figure. His views on Canadian history were often at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy. He was critical of the British Empire, and he believed that Canada should be more independent. He was also critical of the United States, and he believed that Canada should not become too closely aligned with its southern neighbour.

Creighton's views made him a target for criticism from some historians. However, he also had a loyal following among readers who appreciated his honesty and his insights. Creighton was a great historian, and his work will continue to be read and debated for many years to come.

Creighton's Legacy

Donald Creighton was one of the most influential Canadian historians of the 20th century. He helped to shape the way we think about our past, and he challenged us to confront some of the difficult truths about our history. He was a great historian, and his work will continue to be read and debated for many years to come.

Creighton's legacy is evident in the many historians who have been influenced by his work. Some of the most prominent Canadian historians of the present day, such as Margaret MacMillan and Jack Granatstein, have acknowledged Creighton's influence on their own work.

Creighton's work has also had a significant impact on Canadian public policy. His writings on the St. Lawrence River helped to shape the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway. His writings on Confederation helped to shape the debate over the future of Canadian federalism.

Donald Creighton was a great historian, and his work will continue to have a profound impact on our understanding of Canadian history for many years to come.