Corresponding Influence: Selected Letters of Emily Carr and Ira Dilworth

Emily Carr (1871–1945) is an iconic figure in Canadian culture, known internationally for her painting and her writing, which depicted the extraordinary British Columbia mountain landscape along with its indigenous inhabitants and their cultural iconography. Carr’s writing career came later in her life, and as it developed, she met Ira Dilworth, the British Columbia Regional Director for CBC Radio who came to play a significant role in her life. Corresponding Influence is a collection of selected correspondence the two shared over the life of their friendship.

Over the years, Dilworth acted variously as Carr’s editor, writing agent, sounding board, professional and personal advisor, and most importantly, close friend and confidante. The letters provide a narrative for the latter part of Carr’s life and illuminate the impression Dilworth made on the development of her writing. In addition to a critical introduction and annotation throughout, editor Linda Morra has included an unpublished story by Carr called “Small’s Gold.” Corresponding Influence will prove essential reading to anyone hoping to understand Emily Carr’s extraordinary life and work.