Robert J. C. Stead

Robert J. C. Stead
Robert J. C. Stead (1880–1959) was a Canadian author, poet, and civil servant known for his contributions to early Canadian literature. His novels often focused on themes of rural life, prairie hardship, and the pioneering spirit, reflecting his upbringing in Manitoba. Stead's most famous work is "Grain" (1926), a novel that explores the struggles of farming life on the Canadian prairies. He also wrote other notable books such as "The Homesteaders" and "Kitchener and Other Poems."

Author's Books:


PRELUDE Six little slates clattered into place, and six little figures stood erect between their benches. "Right! Turn!" said the master. "March! School is dismissed"; and six pairs of bare little legs twinkled along the aisle, across the well-worn threshold, down the big stone step, and into the dusty road, warm with the rays of the Indian summer sun. The master watched them from the... more...

CHAPTER ONE The shadows of the spruce trees fell north-eastward, pointing long, cool fingers across belts of undulating prairie, or leaning lazily against the brown foothills. Like an incandescent globe the afternoon sun hung in the bowl of a cloudless heaven, filmy with heat, but the hot rays were met by the high altitude of the ranch country and lost their force like a blow half struck. And among the... more...

CHAPTER I "Chuck at the Y.D. to-night, and a bed under the shingles," shouted Transley, waving to the procession to be off. Linder, foreman and head teamster, straightened up from the half load of new hay in which he had been awaiting the final word, tightened the lines, made an unique sound in his throat, and the horses pressed their shoulders into the collars. Linder glanced back to see each... more...