Elizabeth Smart

Profession: Author

Biography: Elizabeth Smart was a Canadian poet and novelist best known for her semi-autobiographical novel, By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept (1945), which achieved cult status and critical acclaim.

Smart was born in 1913 in Ottawa to a prominent family. She published her first poem at age 10 and compiled a poetry collection at 15. Smart studied music at the University of London at age 18 and later worked as a secretary for the Associated Country Women of the World, traveling extensively.

In 1940, Smart began a tumultuous affair with the poet George Barker after discovering his poetry and becoming infatuated with him. They had four children together between 1941-1947: Georgina, Christopher, Sebastian, and Rose Emma.

This relationship inspired Smart's novel By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept, which was banned in Canada by Smart's mother, who led a political campaign against the work as well as buying copies to burn.

Smart raised her four children largely on her own while working as an advertising copywriter. She joined the staff of Queen magazine in 1963, becoming an editor. Smart produced most of her subsequent literary work, such as The Assumption of the Rogues & Rascals (1977) and In the Meantime (1984), at her cottage "The Dell" after 1966.

Smart's journals, Necessary Secrets, were published posthumously in 1986. Her life and work influenced artists like Morrissey of The Smiths and inspired works about her own life.

Born: December 27, 1913
Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: March 4, 1986 (aged 72)
Cause of Death: Heart attack