Frank Oliver Call

Frank Oliver Call, born on April eleventh, eighteen seventy-eight, was a distinguished Canadian poet and academic hailing from Brome Lake, Quebec. His educational journey took him through esteemed institutions such as Bishop's University in Paris, Marburg, and McGill University, where he later served as a professor of languages, imparting knowledge at both Bishop's and McGill.

Call's poetic contributions are notable, with works including 'In a Belgian Garden' published in nineteen sixteen, 'Acanthus and Wild Grape' in nineteen twenty, 'Blue Homespun' in nineteen twenty-four, and 'Sonnets for Youth' in nineteen forty-four. His most acclaimed work, 'Acanthus and Wild Grape,' is particularly significant for its dual structure; the first section adheres to traditional Victorian styles, while the second embraces free verse, positioning Call as a pivotal figure bridging early Canadian poets and modernist voices.

In addition to his poetry, Call explored travel writing, producing 'The Spell of French Canada' in nineteen twenty-six and 'The Spell of Acadia' in nineteen thirty. He also authored a biography of Marguerite Bourgeoys, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His literary prowess earned him the Quebec Literary Competition Award in nineteen twenty-four for 'Blue Homespun,' and he was actively involved in organizations such as Canadian Poetry Magazine, the Canadian Authors Association, and PEN Canada.

Call's legacy extends beyond his written works; he is recognized for his exploration of homoerotic themes, particularly in 'Sonnets for Youth,' although his personal identification remains uncertain. He passed away in Knowlton, Quebec, in nineteen fifty-six, leaving behind a rich literary heritage.