Layton, Irving 1912–

A Canadian poet, short story writer, and editor, Layton has exerted a major influence on his country's literature. His work examines both the creative and destructive relationships between humanity and nature, often with strong overtones of social protest. Rebellious and unconventional, he has provoked critical controversy with his harsh and angry imagery as well as with his erotic love poetry. Layton was a close associate of Robert Creeley, Cid Corman, and Jonathan Williams during the 1950s. He received the Governer General's Award in 1959 for A Red Carpet for the Sun. (See also CLC, Vol. 2, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 1-4, rev. ed.)