As early as 1954 Jean-Guy Pilon defined his poetic goals as follows: "Notre vie à retenir, le poids de la mort à dépasser," holding on to life, overtaking the weight of death. His contribution to Quebec poetry has taken two forms: his own poetic production and the leadership he gave to two important literary groups, the young writers of Editions de l'Hexagone and those associated with the magazine Liberté. His activities, especially as a leader, have placed him in the center of contemporary poetic activity in Canada.

Born in 1930 to Arthur and Alida Besner Pilon, at Saint-Polycarpe, Quebec, Pilon studied law at the University of Montreal, from which he graduated in 1954. In 1959 he founded the magazine Liberté with some of his friends, including Jacques Godbout. He also became literary director of Editions de l'Hexagone where he began the series Les Matinaux. Since 1960 he has supervised...