William New (poet, children's writer, literary critic; b Vancouver 1938) was educated at UBC in English and Geography (BEd 1961, MA 1963) and ULeeds (PhD 1966). He taught at UBC (1965-2003), specializing in the English literatures of the Commonwealth; edited Canadian Literature (1977-95); and frequently lectured abroad. Named FRSC (1986) and McLean Chair in Canadian Studies (1995-6), he became University Killam Professor in 2001 and was named Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006. Author of numerous essays and 50+ books, he is currently preparing another poetry collection and a sixth book for children.