To preserve West 's privacy during his lifetime , L'Engle referred to him as Canon Tallis in her non-fiction as well as her fiction .
The character is based on L'Engle's spiritual advisor at St. John the Divine , Canon Edward Nason West .
To preserve Canon 's privacy during Edward Nason West 's lifetime , L'Engle referred to him as Canon Tallis in her non-fiction as well as her fiction .
The character is based on L'Engle's spiritual advisor at St. John the Divine , Canon Edward Nason West .