Toronto Trolley Buses, Torosian, Motherhood and Lista

Literary Tourist in Toronto

Next morning I road the rails to Michael Torosian's Lumiere Press in the West end of Toronto. He has a workshop in his backyard where he produces the most impeccable fine press photography books. (Here's a look at his latest:

and his immaculate shop reflects it

After our Biblio File podcast conversation (listen here

I jumped in a taxi - the driver was a big Dire Straits fan (he liked it very loud) - and travelled back downtown to spruce up for the Grad ceremony.

All went smoothly. Eleanor copped her diploma, and Marie Campbell (author of Halfbreed) got her honorary doctorate

and delivered a harmless enough convocation address - mostly birds, bees, flowers, motherhood about mother-earth. I'd have preferred something a bit more substantive and inspiring, but it was what it was - an important message that shouldn't - lest we fry - continue to be ignored.

After champagne, cake and photos, I boarded the trolley bus West again, this time for Michael Lista's place, where steaks and wine awaited. I first met Michael a decade ago in his Montreal apartment, right before his first book of poetry, Bloom, was published; one which I think will, over time, come to be recognized as truly important. More people should read it. Given its nuclear content, it will blow your mind, guaranteed.

After perusing his skillfully stacked, wrap-around bookshelves - they carry all the books I first saw in Montreal, and many more I'm sure -

we set about talking. You can listen to what was said here:

For more information on literary things to do in Toronto click here.