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Michael Ondaatje's novel, In the Skin of a Lion, is one of the few mainstream books that examines aspects of the working-class immigrant experience in Toronto in the early 20th century. Come to the City of Toronto Archives to explore some of the actual archival documents used by the author for his work.
Strachan Avenue storm sewer, 1913
City of Toronto Archives
Series 372, sub-series 59, item 126
An excerpt from In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje (1987), page 105
"In the tunnel under Lake Ontario two men shake hands on an incline of mud. Beside them a pickaxe and a lamp, their dirt-streaked faces pivoting to look towards the camera. For a moment, while the film receives the image, everything is still, the other tunnel workers silent. Then Arthur Goss, the city photographer, packs up his tripod and glass plates, unhooks the cord of lights that creates a vista of open tunnel behind the two men, walks with his equipment the fifty yards to the ladder, and climbs out into sunlight."
On a visit to the City of Toronto Archives, students will see archival photographs recording the construction of the Bloor Street Viaduct and the R. C. Harris filtration plant, the two major settings in In the Skin of a Lion.
Students will look at images of real immigrant workers and their homes from early 20th century Toronto |
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Rosedale Creek sewer, 1931
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 1231, item 1293
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Students can view maps and examine tax records and city directories from the early 20th century. These documents allowed the author to develop the realistic and accurate locations and settings used within the novel.
Construction workers, Bloor Street viaduct
City of Toronto Archives
Series 372, sub-series 10, item 430
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This program will bring to life the characters and locations within In the Skin of a Lion, and give a new sense of realism to events in the novel.
It will allow those reading and studying In the Skin of a Lion to understand how and why an author uses archival resources in the development of a novel, and will give them the necessary skills to conduct their own research. |
In the Skin of a Lion, but can be adapted for university students and other groups interested in the background of this award winning novel.
The program is free and lasts for 1½ hours. It can be adjusted to meet your class schedule or special needs. Advance booking is required.
The recommended size of groups is 30 or less.
Please contact the Archives at 416-397-5000 ext. 3 or at archives@toronto.ca to book a tour.
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R. C. Harris Purification Plant
City of Toronto Archives
Series 372, sub-series 72, item 2033 |
In the Skin of a Lion is also available in a PDF format (PDF 191KB)
You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view and print the PDF files. 
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