David Wilson is Professor of Celtic Studies and History at the University of Toronto and General Editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. He is the author or editor of twelve books, including a prize-winning two-volume biography of Thomas D’Arcy McGee. His most recent work, Canadian Spy Story: Irish Revolutionaries and the Secret Police, has won multiple awards.
Born in Islandmagee, County Antrim, Ireland, in a cottage without electricity or running water, David later moved with his family to England. After a colourful youth that included being fired as a bus conductor, living in a Cardiff commune, and hitchhiking through Europe, he found his way to academia. He earned a BA from the University of York, followed by an MA and PhD from Queen’s University in Canada.
David’s early academic path took him through sessional roles at several universities and a position at Queen’s University Belfast’s Institute of Irish Studies. Returning to Canada, he produced radio documentaries for CBC’s Ideas while teaching at the University of Toronto’s History Department. In 2013, he became, to his surprise, General Editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, a role he continues to hold.
He was interviewed for his previous book The History of the Future here
Join fellow Whiffers on Tuesday, September 30th to hear David Wilson discuss the Irish Revolutionaries and the Canadian Secret Police. He will explore both sides of the story.
The reception at the Badminton & Racquet Club begins at 6:00 pm.