Ralph Allen | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Ralph Allen

Ralph Allen, journalist, editor, novelist (b at Winnipeg 25 Aug 1913; d at Toronto 2 Dec 1966). One of the best-loved and most influential editors of his day, Allen was justly famous for his work at Maclean's (1946-60) and the Toronto Star (1964-66).

Ralph Allen

Ralph Allen, journalist, editor, novelist (b at Winnipeg 25 Aug 1913; d at Toronto 2 Dec 1966). One of the best-loved and most influential editors of his day, Allen was justly famous for his work at Maclean's (1946-60) and the Toronto Star (1964-66). Reared in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, he began his career with the Winnipeg Tribune and was a distinguished war correspondent for the Toronto Globe and Mail. He also wrote 5 novels, of which The Chartered Libertine (1954), a satirical look at the CBC, is best known, and a popular history of Canada, Ordeal by Fire (1961). He is credited with implementing many editorial techniques and procedures which are still in use today.