Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town (ePub)

Stephen Butler Leacock (1869-1944) was a pre-eminent Canadian humorist, economist, and author. His mastery over satire and humor placed him among the most widely read English-speaking authors of the early 20th century. Leacock was born in Hampshire, England, but moved to Canada at a young age, a transition which influenced much of his later work. He studied at the University of Toronto and subsequently at the University of Chicago, where he received a PhD in political economy. Ultimately, Leacock turned his attention more fully to writing, a career change that heralded the creation of classic works, such as 'Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town' (1912). This collection of vignettes seamlessly blends humor with social critique, offering a satirical look at life in the fictional Ontario town of Mariposa, believed to be a reflection of Orillia, Ontario, where Leacock spent his summer holidays. Leacock's literary style evokes a gentle irony and a deep affection for his characters, while his adeptness at synthesis found him often juxtaposing the foibles of small-town life against larger societal norms. Leacock's prodigious literary output includes over 60 books and his influence has been acknowledged by subsequent humorists and writers across Canada and beyond. His legacy continues, not only through his writings but also through the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, awarded annually in his honor to the best work of humor published in Canada.