The distinguished academic and writer J. Edward Chamberlin discusses his new book Storylines: How Words Shape Our World (Douglas & McIntyre, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Storylines: How Words Shape Our World by J. Edward Chamberlin (Douglas & McIntyre, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Storylines

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

One of the more engaging and fascinating books of the season is the latest from the distinguished academic and writer J. Edward Chamberlin, Storylines: How Words Shape Our World. It’s a reflective book on Mr. Chamberlin’s many years as a professor of literature, as well as student of storytelling. His gifts as a storyteller are in full view with his many experiences with varied storytellers that inform or establish the way we see ourselves and each other. I’ll get Ted, who joins me now to tell us about this book, about writing it, and the kinds of storytelling that we’re all drawn to, as well as challenged by. It’s the interesting way that storytelling has this contradiction at its heart, the conflict between what we believe and what is truth, that continues to draw us to stories, and what essentially keeps us alive. J. Edward Chamberlin is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He’s worked on sovereignty and land claims in Canada and around the world. He’s the author of several acclaimed titles including Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilization, and If This is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories? He first appeared on the program in 2016 when his book The Banker and the Blackfoot was published. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. He joined me from his home in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia last week. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Ted Chamberlin; Mr. Chamberlin, good morning.

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