Pierre Berton, 84, prolific writer of Canadian history

TORONTO -- Pierre Berton, whose populist tales of Canadian history made him one of the country's best known writers and media personalities, died in a Toronto hospital yesterday. He was 84.

The cause of death was not disclosed, but CBC television reported he died of heart failure.

Mr. Berton was familiar to millions of Canadians through his trademark bow tie, fierce nationalism, and frequent television appearances. His books brought to life the country's most exciting historical moments, ranging from the Klondike gold rush to the taking of Vimy Ridge in World War I.

After spending his youth in the Yukon, Mr. Berton began his career as a newspaper and magazine journalist. He became the city editor of a Vancouver newspaper at the age of 21, before moving to Toronto in 1947. He edited the national newsmagazine Maclean's and later joined the Toronto Star as a columnist.

Mr. Berton also appeared on several CBC television programs, including ''Close-Up," ''The Pierre Berton Show," and the long-running ''Front Page Challenge."

He entered a new phase of popularity when he began writing books about one of his favorite topics, Canadian history. The strong narratives and colorful personalities in his books awoke Canadians to a rich past.

The prolific author's 50 books include ''Klondike", about the famous gold rush, ''The National Dream" and ''The Last Spike," on building the country's railways, and ''Vimy," which covered one of the Canadian military's most heroic battles. His works won him the country's top literary honor, the Governor General's Award, several times.

Mr. Berton was also well known for his sense of humor. He appeared on a CBC comedy program this fall, demonstrating how to roll a marijuana joint. He recommended using the pages of his own books.