Irving Layton

Date of Birth: March 12, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 4, 2006

Biography

Irving Layton was a Romanian-born Canadian poet, known for his passionate and provocative poetry. Born in Târgu Neamț, Romania, he emigrated to Canada with his family in 1913. Layton grew up in Montreal, Quebec, where he developed an early interest in literature and poetry. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from McGill University and later became a prominent figure in the Canadian literary scene, particularly associated with the Montreal Group of poets. Layton published over 40 books of poetry and prose during his career, often exploring themes of love, death, and the human condition. His work was known for its raw emotion, intellectual depth, and often controversial subject matter. He was a mentor to many younger poets, including Leonard Cohen, and played a significant role in the development of Canadian literature in the 20th century. He received numerous accolades for his work, including the Governor General’s Award for Poetry in 1959 for his collection “A Red Carpet for the Sun.” Layton’s influence extended beyond literature; he was a charismatic figure who frequently appeared on television and engaged in public debates on social and political issues.

5 Interesting Facts about Irving Layton

1. Irving Layton was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1981.

2. He served in the Canadian military during World War II.

3. Layton was a close friend and mentor to renowned singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

4. He taught poetry and literature at York University and Sir George Williams University.

5. Layton was known for his outspoken personality and often courted controversy with his views on politics and society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irving Layton

1. “A poet cannot be a man who has made a comfortable adjustment to society; a poet cannot be a man who is well-adjusted.”

2. “A truly creative person rids himself of all self-imposed limitations.”

3. “The poet’s job is to discover what the world is trying to be.”

4. “When you argue with your inferiors, you convince them of only one thing: they are as clever as you.”

5. “Literature is the expression of a feeling of deprivation, a recourse against a sense of something missing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Irving Layton’s highest estimated net worth was modest, reflecting his career as a poet and academic, potentially in the range of $1 million to $2 million.

Children

Irving Layton had four children. His first marriage to Faye Lynch produced two children: a son, Max Layton, who became a musician and poet, and a daughter, Naomi Layton. With his second wife, Aviva Cantor, he had a son, David Layton, who became a writer, and a daughter, Samantha Layton.