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Lost Time

James Marsh James Marsh

James Marsh was born in Toronto and has spent most of his working life in publishing as an editor and writer. He has edited over 200 books in Canadian history and social science and is the author of several books and over 100 articles on Canadian history.

James was editor in chief of all three print editions of The Canadian Encyclopedia (1985, 1988 and 1999) and of the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada and has continued to guide the encyclopedias into the digital world with numerous editions on CD-ROM and most recently the Online version. He is also the Director of Content Development of Historica Foundation and creator of the HistoryWire.

James is a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Centenary Lorne Dawson Chauveau Medal of the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of his achievement of producing The Canadian Encyclopedia.

James's interests beyond the encyclopedia range from biography, poetry and classical music to tennis (he owns several doubles and one singles title) and his puli, Sandor. For more information on James see his personal website.

Other Articles and Blog posts by James Marsh

First Robin

by James Marsh

April 22, 2009 5:31 PM

comments (2)

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I took this picture last spring, the day after this fellow fledged from a nest in our neighbour's trough. Robins always provoke strong feelings in me, from when I was a boy in Toronto. The first robin. Robin red breast. Such a powerful reminder of the cycles that we bury in our urban lives. This April morning in Edmonton two robins appeared on our front yard and I could not help wondering if it was that youngster now grown who had returned. We have such dire warnings these days of our alienation, of our destruction and of our tenuous connection to the natural world. But still the robins return, and bring hope. Our mixed feelings are so well expressed in a poem by Emily Dickinson:

I dreaded that first Robin, so,

But He is mastered, now,

 I'm some accustomed to Him grown,

 He hurts a little, though




I thought if I could only live

Till that first Shout got by

Not all Pianos in the Woods

Had power to mangle me

Comments

5:37 PM
22/04/09
Lovely post. Hope is so important when it comes to our attitude about the environment and change.

The Redbreast, sacred to the household gods, Wisely regardful of the embroiling sky, In joyless fields and thorny thickets leaves His shivering mates, and pays to trusted Man His annual visit. - James Thomson
Posted by Christina Lanteigne
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6:19 PM
22/04/09
Love the post....and the picture. It reminds me of my story. The other night we were all watching the hockey game (Go Canucks!)when my granddaughter looked out the window, and there, sitting on a wire, peering at us, was a spotted owl. I've NEVER seen an owl right in the heart of the city. I loved that moment on 2 levels. First, it brought us out of our engagement with the TV, and into a sense of wonder and excitement, and secondly, it echoed what you said -- nature brings hope
Posted by Noni M.
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