In this collection of incisive, cogent essays, former Poet Laureate and Governor General's Award winner George Bowering explores the varied and often misunderstood landscape of Canadian literature and culture. Offering close readings of the works of a wide array of writers--Michael Ondaatje, Robert Kroetsch, Ethel Wilson, Milton Acorn, Daphne Marleatt, bpNichol and many more--Bowering considers what it means to be a Canadian writer, and a Canadian reader. Throughout, he considers the themes, preoccupations and hooks that abide in our national literature.