William Lyon Phelps
Toronto Daily Star, May 17 1927
William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943) taught what was considered the first university course on the American novel. He led a busy life: besides teaching, he had a radio show, wrote a daily newspaper column, and published a number of books and articles.
Unfortunately, he was also something of a sexist, at least on the subject of music, as he was quoted as saying: "Music is essentially the manly art... In the entire history of music, in all times and countries, there had never been a woman able to write first-rate music."
McMaster University was still in Toronto at the time that Mr. Phelps delivered his convocation address, but the university administration had just decided to move the university to Hamilton. The move happened in 1930.
Created September 20, 2025.