William Toye (author)

William Toye (1926-2015) was a Canadian editor, publisher, and author, best known for his contributions to Canadian children's literature and his work in documenting Canadian history.

Toye spent the majority of his career at Oxford University Press Canada, beginning in 1952. He served as the head of the trade department and later as the editor of Canadian books, shaping the landscape of Canadian publishing for several decades. He was instrumental in promoting and publishing numerous Canadian authors and artists.

A significant aspect of Toye's legacy lies in his own writing. He authored several notable books for children, including The Loon's Necklace (1977), a retelling of a British Columbia First Nations legend, which won the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award. Other works include How Summer Came to Canada (1969) and Cartier Discovers the St. Lawrence (1970). These books are recognized for their simple yet engaging narratives and their contributions to introducing Canadian history and folklore to young readers.

Beyond children's literature, Toye also wrote extensively on Canadian historical topics for adult audiences. His publications include A History of Canadian Journalism (1975), a comprehensive study of the development of journalism in Canada.

Toye received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to Canadian literature and publishing, solidifying his position as a significant figure in the country's literary and cultural history.