read his obituary in the Prince Albert Herald
read “Legend: the Stones” and “A Book Called Winter”
read an interview
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REAL AUDIO:
Mr. Hicks offers his advice to the beginning writer. (1:06) © 1977 Saskatchewan Archives Board

Mr. Hicks reads his poem “Now Is a Far Country” (0:38) © 1998 from the audio cassette “Small Windows: The Selected Poems of John V. Hicks”

Mr. Hicks reads his poem “Create Away” (1:02) © 1998 from the audio cassette “Small Windows: The Selected Poems of John V. Hicks”

Mr. Hicks discusses what poetry isn’t (1:19) © 1977 Saskatchewan Archives Board
John V. Hicks was born in England in 1907. As an infant, he was brought to Canada, and lived in several provinces during his early years. He attended the Collegiate Institute in Prince Albert, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He studied to be an accountant, and later worked as an accountant first for a wholesale grocer, and then for the Provincial Government until his retirement.

Hicks wrote poetry for decades before any of his poems were published. His first book, Now Is a Far Country, did not appear until 1978, seven years after his retirement. He published ten more books before his death in June, 1999. His most recent collection of poems is Overheard by Conifers. His poems and short stories have appeared in many periodicals and anthologies.

Hicks’ list of awards is substantial. He was given the honorary title of writer-in-residence by the City of Prince Albert, and he received the lifetime award of excellence from the Saskatchewan Arts Board. He received a fellowship from the University of Emmanuel College, Saskatoon, and an honourary doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1992, he received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

Bibliography

Now is a far country: poems selected from the works of John V. Hicks. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1978.

Winter your sleep. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1980.

Silence like the sun. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1983.

Rootless tree. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1985.

Fives & sixes. Erin, Ont.: Porcupine’s Quill, 1986.

Side glances: notes on the writer’s craft. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1987.

Sticks and strings: selected and new poems. edited by Paul Bidwell. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1988.

Month’s mind. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1992.

Overheard by conifers. Saskatoon: Thistledown Press, 1996.

Renovated rhymes. designed and illustrated by Victor Gad. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1997.