Leacock, Stephen, humorist, essayist, teacher, political economist, historian (b at Swanmore, Eng 30 Dec 1869; d at Toronto 28 Mar 1944). The recipient of numerous honorary degrees, awards and distinctions (the Lorne Pierce Medal, the Governor General's Award, a postage stamp issued in his honour, the Leacock Medal for Humour established in his honour), Leacock was the English-speaking world's best-known humorist 1915-25.

He grew up on a farm near Lake Simcoe, Ont, and was educated at Upper Canada College (where he taught for 9 years), the University of Toronto and the University of Chicago, where he studied economics and political science (PhD 1903). He joined McGill's department of economics and political science in 1903, rose quickly to become department head, and remained there until his retirement in 1936. A prolific magazine supplier of humorous fiction, literary essays and articles on social issues, politics, economics, science and history, Leacock claimed near the end of his life: "I can write up anything now at a hundred yards." Most of his books are collections of these magazine pieces.

From HISTOR!CA. The Canadian Encyclopedia .

Also see Stephen Leacock: Humorist and Educator at Library and Archives Canada.