Grey Owl [Paperback]

Armand Garnet Ruffo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1550501097 | ISBN-13: 978-1550501094 | Publication Date: January 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

An Englishman with the imagination and the arrogance to pose as a North American Indian, a fur trapper who kept beaver as pets, a drunken brawling bigamist who embraced the wilderness to escape his ghosts, a compelling champion of that wilderness who travelled much of the world speaking to huge audiences about the fate of the natural world - who was the real Archie Belaney, known to many as Grey Owl? Grey Owl, the Mystery of Archie Belaney is a unique, accessible collection of narrative poetry and journal entries which examines this dynamic, often contradictory, always fascinating man who reconstructed his identity and delivered a message of conservation to the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Armand Garnet Ruffo's work is strongly influenced by his Ojibway heritage. His first poetry collection, Opening in the Sky, was published in 1994 (Theytus Books). His work has also appeared in such anthologies as Looking at the Words of Our People (Theytus Books), Voices of The First Nations (McGraw Hill Ryerson), and Native Literature in Canada (Oxford University Press) as well as numerous literary journals including Dandelion, CVII, and Absinthe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Coteau Books; 1 edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550501097
• ISBN-13: 978-1550501094
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a masterpiece of insight and understanding, December 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Grey Owl (Paperback)

I was married to Grey Owl & Anahareo`s daughter DAWN until her unexpected death in London, England in June 1984 during our visit there. We were there with an exhibition of art work. For more than twenty-five years I was frequently a part of discussions and comments about the life of Grey Owl. Numerous articles and a few books have been written on the subject. Armand Ruffo`s book THE MYSTERY OF ARCHIE BELANEY, with its poetic narrative and descriptive moods is the best I have witnessed. With Armand`s aboriginal background he understands how wilderness folks think and feel. This book is a must for all those who are interested in the Grey Owl story. Be sure to see the movie coming out in 1999 Co-Produced by Sir Richard Attenborough. Pierce Brosnan plays Grey Owl and a very attractive Quebec aboriginal actress Annie Galipeau plays Anahareo. I believe the book by Armand and the movie as well should win top awards. Pierce Brosnan, a very understanding and down-to-earth gentleman makes a good Archie Belaney. Annie Galipeau is every bit as attractive as my mother-in-law was at her age.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fair and objective interpretation of Grey Owl., July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grey Owl (Paperback)

I have, over the past few years, come to appreciate the life of Grey Owl. There have been several books written about him and some are excellent; however, the gift of Armand Garnet Ruffo, is found in his attempt to get "under the skin" of Archie Grey owl. There are many statements which are visceral in nature in that the author risks criticism by offering notions and thoughts as to the motives and objectives underlying Grey Owl's actions and written words. This, in itself, is a challenge Ruffo is willing to take. Not unlike those the Belaney (Grey Owl) took. I think Armand comes from a unique perspective as his grandmother, Jane McKee (Espaniel) part Ojibway, knew Archie Grey Owl, thus he was introduced, to the subject, from a subjective point of view. Add to that his desire to share the story in a poetic form (again not unlike Grey Owl's writtings) makes for a most interesting presentation. Similarly, he has the added advantage of being a scholar and teacher which lends itself to the expectation of an authoritative and honest analysis, regardless of the form. I liked the book very much.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb and very readable, March 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Grey Owl (Paperback)

This book is outstanding, enjoyable and easy to read, and Ruffo knows his subject thoroughly from research but also from the stories of Ruffo's family who knew Grey Owl while he lived with the Anishinabe in Northern Ontario. I used it in my University course and the students loved it- among the best Native literature they have read, they said. Ruffo opens the topic for the readers to explore, providing many important directions and opening many suggestions and a lot of valuable information besides creating the poetry of it all. The carefully selected photographs, most from Ruffo's family collection originally, many taken by Grey Owl's camera, help to make the story in the portry real and provide further dimensions for contemplation. Ruffo is one of the most gifted authors in Canada. Bernie Harder