Through their unique observations of humanity’s flaws and aspirations, these five French-Canadian authors – Marie-Claire Blais, Jean Marc Dalpé, Dany Laferrière, Antonine Maillet and Marguerite-A. Primeau – have interpreted the world around them with honesty and compassion. Recognized throughout La Francophonie for their talents and accomplishments, and recipients of national and international accolades, these distinguished writers have brought French-Canadian literature to the world stage.

Good to know

The French-Canadian Authors issue also includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps that features two of each of the five stamp designs in the set.
Official First Day Covers for each author in the issue are also available.
The cancel location is Quebec QC, the author’s place of birth.

About the issue

This issue is a celebration of contemporary (20th/21st century) French-Canadian writing, emphasizing authors from francophone communities across the country.

Canada Post has a long tradition of celebrating Canadian cultural achievement and has featured numerous authors, writing in both French and English, on stamps over the years.

Marie-Claire Blais (1939-2021)

Born and raised in Québec, Quebec, Marie-Claire Blais, C.C., (1939-2021) was still in her teens when she wrote her first novel, La belle bête (1959; Mad Shadows, 1960), which immediately became a classic of Quebec literature. In 1966, Une saison dans la vie d’Emmanuel (1965; A Season in the Life of Emmanuel, 1966) won the Prix Médicis in France, a first for a Canadian.

Other honours she received during her prolific career include four Governor General’s Literary Awards.

About the design

The Marie-Claire Blais Official First Day Cover features a photograph of the author chosen by her family.

The labyrinth cancel image is symbolic of the surrealism and layers of meaning that mark her writing style.

Product # 414278131

French-Canadian Authors – Marie-Claire Blais: Official First Day Cover