Description
Book SynopsisAristocrat, democrat, diplomat, cultural advocate, anglophile, fiercely proud Canadian—Vincent Massey was a complex, sometimes enigmatic figure. This finely crafted portrait of Massey’s middle and later years, drawn extensively from its subject’s diaries and papers, recalls a life of deep commitment to the service of his country and its culture.
From 1935 to 1946 he served as Canada’s high commissioner to London, a role for which he was perfectly suited: his love of English traditions and values was exceeded only by his intense Canadian patriotism. He served well. The courage and generosity of Vincent and Alice Massey made them favourites with Canadian servicemen in Britain during the war years. His familiarity with, and enthusiasm for, all royal ritual was invaluable to the Canadian delegations during the ceremonies surrounding the coronation of George VI. His proud representation of Canada’s cultural accomplishments opened British doors to many