George Woodcock

George Woodcock (1912–1995) was a prolific Canadian writer, critic, and anarchist thinker. His wide-ranging work in poetry, political biography, travel writing, and literary criticism made him a key voice in Canadian and libertarian literature. Explore his life, philosophy, writings, and legacy.

Introduction

George Woodcock (May 8, 1912 – January 28, 1995) was a Canadian-born writer, editor, and intellectual whose influence spans literature, political theory, and social activism. Though born in Canada, he spent much of his youth in England, developed deep ties to the British anarchist and literary milieu, and ultimately returned to Canada to leave a lasting mark on Canadian letters and libertarian thought.

His most widely known work is Anarchism: A History of Libertarian Ideas and Movements (1962), but his output was vast: poetry, travel books, biographies (including of George Orwell), literary criticism, and editing roles (notably founding the journal Canadian Literature in 1959).

Early Life and Background

George Woodcock was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to immigrant parents from England (Arthur Woodcock and Margaret Gertrude Lewis). Soon after his birth, his family returned to England, and Woodcock grew up and was educated there.

He attended grammar school (Sir William Borlase’s) and also studied at Morley College in England. His family was too poor for him to attend university in the conventional way. He was once offered a scholarship to Oxford, but he declined it because it came with a religious (clergy) requirement that he could not accept.

Instead, Woodcock took a job as a clerk for the Great Western Railway, where he began reading and exploring political and philosophical ideas—particularly anarchism.

Intellectual and Political Journey

Engagement with Anarchism and Literary Circles

In the 1930s and 1940s, Woodcock became active in anarchist and radical literary circles in England. He was associated with left-libertarian and pacifist ideas.

He founded or edited radical and literary journals such as Now (1940–47), War Commentary, and Freedom. He also worked with or published in outlets sympathetic to anarchist thought.

Woodcock had a public disagreement with George Orwell over pacifism (in Partisan Review) but they later became friends and corresponded. He later wrote The Crystal Spirit (1966), a critical study of Orwell, which won the Governor General’s Award.

During World War II, Woodcock declared himself a conscientious objector and worked on a farm in Essex.

Return to Canada & Literary Influence

In 1949, Woodcock and his wife moved to Canada, choosing to settle in Vancouver, British Columbia.

He joined the English Department at the University of British Columbia, eventually becoming an associate professor (though he ceased formal teaching in 1963 to focus on writing and editing).

In 1959, Woodcock founded Canadian Literature, the first academic journal exclusively devoted to Canadian writing in English—a major contribution to Canadian literary culture and criticism. He edited it until his retirement in 1977.

He edited, authored, or co-authored over 100 books, essays, and pamphlets in his lifetime.

Works & Major Themes

Selected Writings

Among his many books and essays, a selection highlights the breadth of his interests:

• Anarchism: A History of Libertarian Ideas and Movements (1962) — perhaps his most famous work, a sweeping survey of the anarchist tradition.

• The Crystal Spirit: A Study of George Orwell (1966) — biography/criticism on Orwell, awarded the Governor General’s Award.

• Travel writings: To the City of the Dead (1957), Faces of India (1964), Caves in the Desert (1988) among others.

• Biographies of historical thinkers: Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1956) is one example.

• Poetry volumes: The White Island (1940) and later collections.

• Essays and criticism of Canadian literature and culture.

Intellectual Themes & Views

• Anarchism & Libertarian Thought: Woodcock treated anarchism not as mere negation of government, but as a constructive philosophy emphasizing voluntary cooperation, decentralization, and individual liberty.

• Pacifism and Nonviolence: His conscientious objection during WWII reflects his consistent commitment to nonviolent ethics.

• Literature & Culture as Political: He believed that literature was not separate from ethics or politics, and sought to integrate literary criticism with social concern.

• Cosmopolitanism and Solidarity: Later in life, Woodcock turned his attention to international humanitarian causes, particularly Tibetan refugee support and India-based rural development.

• Reluctance with Institutional Honors: Woodcock refused many state “honors” (including the Order of Canada) on principle, accepting only those from peers. In 1994, he accepted the Freedom of the City of Vancouver—a local honor.

Legacy & Influence

George Woodcock’s influence is felt in several domains:

• Canadian Literary Culture: His founding of Canadian Literature provided an institutional foundation for the academic study of Canadian writing in English.

• Anarchist & Libertarian Thought: His Anarchism remains a frequently cited overview in English of libertarian and anarchist traditions.

• Humanitarian Work: His later activism (e.g. Tibetan Refugee Aid Society) connects literary life with global concerns.

• Support for Writers: Woodcock and his wife endowed the Woodcock Fund, later bequeathed to the Writers’ Trust of Canada, to support Canadian writers facing financial hardship mid-project.

• Biographical & Critical Writing: His biographical works, especially on thinkers like Orwell or Proudhon, continue to be referenced in literary and intellectual histories.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

While not as widely quoted as some public intellectuals, the following reflect Woodcock’s stance on literature, politics, and ethics:

• On literary productivity: when asked how many books he had written or edited (often estimated between 125 and 150), he would say he disliked that frame, as it made literary work sound like athletic competition rather than an approach to life.

• On honors and integrity: his refusal of many state honors indicates a reluctance to conflate intellectual work with official recognition.

Lessons from George Woodcock’s Life

1. Intellectual integrity over institutional prestige
   Woodcock’s frequent refusal of formal honors underscores his belief that intellectual work should stand on its own merit, not on titles.

2. Interdisciplinary breadth
   His career spanned poetry, criticism, biography, travel writing, political philosophy—and that range allowed cross-fertilization of insight.

3. Moral consistency
   His pacifism, anarchism, and later humanitarian focus reflect a unity of thought and life rarely seen in large literary careers.

4. Institution building matters
   Founding Canadian Literature shows how cultural institutions can have enduring impact beyond a single author’s books.

5. Support for fellow writers
   The Woodcock Fund demonstrates the belief that literary culture is a communal endeavor, requiring support networks.

Conclusion

George Woodcock was a singular figure whose life bridged continents, genres, and ethical commitments. Born in Canada but shaped in England, his return to Canada heralded a new role as a builder of Canadian literary culture, while his writings and activism extended beyond national borders. His commitment to anarchist ethics, literary engagement, and human solidarity make him a model of intellectual consistency.