Abstract
This article introduces Canadian writer, Timothy Findley, to Wilder scholars through surviving letters, postcards, and a telegram that Wilder wrote to Findley between 1954 and 1970. When they met, Findley was a young actor in London, England, with a role in The Matchmaker. Wilder became an invaluable mentor and wise adviser to the young Canadian and, as this correspondence shows, he was one of the first to encourage Findley to become a writer. Although Findley’s correspondence with Wilder does not appear to have survived, it is clear from Findley’s journals and some of his novels that Wilder influenced his life and art with his encouragement and his artistic practice. As Findley achieved success, he followed Wilder’s example by helping other, younger writers. The title, “Pay attention!” was one of Wilder’s most concise instructions. Findley did just that throughout his life.
