During the last century, one of the most exciting and dangerous occupations in Newfoundland was pulpwood driving. One of those river loggers was Newfoundland writer Stanley Sparkes, the author of a new lyrical collection of poetry entitled Deadends Dancing in the Wind. Sparkes is passionate about his profession. Whether it is a reflection about a man driving logs, or a snapshot in prose of black bears in the wild, the words convey powerful and lasting images. Sparkes has created a lasting tribute to the men who risked their lives to sustain the logging industry and help to build the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stanley Sparkes, is a retired high school teacher and vice principal, was born in Saunders Cove (now part of Glovertown) in 1942. He is the author of a textbook, five teaching guides, four local history books, a teaching manual, and a book of short stories.

Stanley Sparkes' profile page

"Sparkes's book appeals strongly to the senses. Sparkes evokes images very well in his verse, but he wants readers to lose themselves in the sights, sounds, smells -- all the sensations and experiences -- of logging life...In Deadends Dancing in the Wind," Stanley Sparkes captures the reality of that work vividly and with immediacy."Darrell Squires, The Western Star