Agnes Maule Machar, Author

In celebration of Kingston WritersFest the above portrait is of Agnes Maule Machar. Machar was born and raised in Kingston, calling it home her entire life. A prolific writer who published poetry, novels and volumes of history and biography, she also contributed regularly to the leading periodicals of the day. In 1893, she was the only Canadian woman author said to have attained international recognition. In addition to her literary pursuits Machar was actively involved in causes such as women’s education, prohibition, animal welfare, workers’ rights, and general social reform. Find out more about Machar in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography or read her book The Story of Old Kingston.