The Wise Old Grey Owl

“The Men of the Last Frontier” is a 1922 work by Grey Owl. Part memoir, part chronicle of the vanishing Canadian wilderness, and part collection First Nations lore and stories. His first book, “The Men of the Last Frontier” is an impassioned cry for the conservation of the natural world that is as poignent now as when first published. Archibald Stansfeld Belaney (1888–1938), also known as Grey Owl, was a British-born Canadian fur trapper, conservationist, and writer. In life, he pretended to be a First Nations person, but it was later discovered that he was in fact not Indigenous—revelations that greatly tarnished his reputation. Other notable works by this author include: “The Men of the Last Frontier”, “Pilgrims of the Wild”, and “Tales of an Empty Cabin”. This classic work is being republished now in a new edition with specially curated introductory material.

Armand Ruffo creates a complex and wonderfully textured portrait of one of Canada's most fascinating public figures in Grey Owl: The Mystery of Archie Belaney. This unique, accessible collection of narrative poetry examines a dynamic, often contradicory, always fascinating man who reconstructed his character to deliver his message of conservation to the world. Grey Owl: The Mystery of Archie Belaney is a compelling study of an intriguing character – a white man who assumed a native "voice" to promote his ideas and ideals to an international audience. In turn, the book raises difficult questions about identity and voice, aboriginal culture, human rights, and the environment. Ruffo draws on extensive archival research, and family memories – Grey Owl lived for three years with Ruffo's grandmother's family in the small northern Ontario community of Biscotasing – to offer new insights about the man and his mission. With clear, direct, and evocative language, Ruffo writes from Grey Owl's own perspective as well as from the viewpoints of women he loved and men with whom he worked. The poems detail both his professional achievements and his personal failures. Ruffo brings a deep understanding of aboriginal thought, excellent research skills, and a mature craft to this collection. Grey Owl: The Mystery of Archie Belaney marks a significant contribution to aboriginal writing and to Canadian literature.

First published in 1935, Pilgrims of the Wild is Grey Owl’s autobiographical account of his transition from successful trapper to preservationist. With his Iroquois wife, Anahereo, Grey Owl set out to protect the environment and the endangered beaver. Powerful in its simplicity, Pilgrims of the Wild tells the story of Grey Owl’s life of happy cohabitation with the wild creatures of nature and the healing powers of what he referred to as "the great Northland" of "Over the Hills and Far Away." A bestseller at the time, Pilgrims of the Wild helped establish Grey Owl’s international reputation as a conservationist. His legacy of warnings against the degradations of nature and the dangers of industry live on, despite the posthumous revelation that he wasn’t, in fact, the First Nations man he claimed to be.

Contains pamphlets, newspaper and periodical reprints on the topic of Grey Owl.

Wise Old Owl, the author, takes time out from his work to visit a class of aspiring young writers.

In some cultures, the owl is heralded as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and knowledge. Learn all about these captivating birds in the Wise Owl: The Ancient Symbol of Wisdom. Inside, you'll discover mythology and folklore about these intelligent creatures and get a look at how they're represented in the media and pop culture. This kit also includes a 2 3/4 inch resin owl and tons of fun facts like this: The only way an owl can view its surroundings is by turning its head. So make the wise decision and take home the Wise Owl.