He was the inspiration for Canon Tallis in Madeleine L'Engle 's young adult novels .
Edward Nason West ( 1909 -- 1990 ) was an Episcopal priest , author and canon sacrist at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York .
Edward Nason West was the inspiration for Canon Tallis in Madeleine L'Engle 's young adult novels .
Edward Nason West ( 1909 -- 1990 ) was an Episcopal priest , author and canon sacrist at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York .