Duncan Campbell Scott 
Labor and the Angel 

Duncan Campbell Scott’s ‘Labor and the Angel’ is a poignant collection of poems that delve into the struggles of the human condition, focusing on themes of work, sacrifice, and the pursuit of higher meaning. Scott’s poetic style is characterized by its lyricism and emotional depth, drawing parallels between the physical labor of everyday life and the spiritual striving for enlightenment. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Canada, the poems in this collection reflect the societal changes and challenges of the time, making them both relevant and timeless. Scott’s ability to blend the personal with the universal in his verse creates a powerful and thought-provoking reading experience. Duncan Campbell Scott, a prominent Canadian poet and civil servant, was deeply influenced by his experiences working in the Department of Indian Affairs, which exposed him to the hardships faced by Indigenous peoples. ‘Labor and the Angel’ reflects Scott’s commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of art. His unique perspective and poetic talent shine through in this collection of poems, showcasing his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. I highly recommend ‘Labor and the Angel’ to readers who appreciate introspective poetry that explores themes of labor, spirituality, and social change. Scott’s evocative language and profound insights make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in poetry that speaks to the heart and mind.

About the author

Duncan Campbell Scott (1862-1947) was a Canadian poet, prose writer, and civil servant. His literary work is often characterized by its engagement with the Canadian landscape and its cultural milieu. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Scott was a member of the late 19th and early 20th century Canadian literary movement known as Confederation Poets, which included contemporaries like Charles G.D. Roberts, Bliss Carman, and Archibald Lampman, with whom Scott shared a close friendship and a mutual influence in their work. Scott’s poetry integrates themes of nature, the passage of time, and sometimes reflects the complex relationship between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. His collection ‘Labor and the Angel’ contains a mix of lyrical poetry and narrative verses that encapsulate his meditations on philosophical and spiritual concerns. With a career that spanned the transition from Victorian to modernist literary forms, Scott was adept at employing both traditional metre and free verse. His work often evoked a deep sense of melancholy and introspection, characteristics that have cemented his reputation as a serious and profound voice in Canadian literature. Despite these accomplishments, Scott’s legacy is controversial due to his role in the Canadian government’s assimilation policies towards Indigenous peoples. As a senior official in the Department of Indian Affairs, Scott was instrumental in the administration of the Indian residential school system, which has marred his reputation in the light of current perspectives on colonialism and Indigenous rights.