This collection of essays shows Hood in full, elegant control of a variety of subjects that will appeal to those interested in Canadian literary history and to anyone involved with the literary currents of our time. The essays are detailed, complex, and enriched by the sensibility of the author who has been called “Canada's most learned, most intellectual novelist” (The Canadian Forum). At the same time, they display Hood's unique ability to convey intellectual ideas with warmth, humor, and passionate conviction. He is that rare breed of author whose books are inspired by a profound commitment to art, a deep love of his community, a sensitive involvement with language, and an ongoing engagement with theoretical problems crucial to twentieth-century thought.

Hugh Hood was born in Toronto in 1928 and studied at the University of Toronto, where he completed his Ph.D. in 1955. He worked as a university teacher for over forty years -- over thirty of those years spent at the Universit? de Montr?al. He was married to painter and printmaker Noreen Mallory and had four children. He died in Montreal in August of 2000.

Hood wrote 32 books, amongst them novels, collections of stories and essays, an art book, and a book of sports journalism. His most extended project, begun in 1975 and occupying him right up until the time of his death, was a twelve volume roman fleuve entitled The New Age / Le nouveau si?cle. The last book in this series, Near Water, was published by Anansi in 2000.

Hugh Hood's profile page

“Hood's assured artistry, deep Christian conviction, and refusal of obliquity in these essays constitute a significant introduction to his fiction in their tones, textures, depths, and entertaining instructiveness.”  —Choice

“Trusting the Tale consists of 11 essays on topics ranging from personal reminiscence to hockey, other artists, and the craft of writing.”  —Quill & Quire

“Trusting the Tale is Hugh Hood at his most accessible and most entertaining. These essays may help convince CanLit followes that Mr. Hood is one of the few Canadian novelists who can call themselves men of letters.”  —Winnipeg Free Press