Edward Nason West

Edward Nason West (1909–1990) was an Episcopal priest, author and canon sacrist at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York. He was the inspiration for Canon Tallis in Madeleine L'Engle's young adult novels. He was a graduate of Boston University and the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He was an Officer of the Order of the British Empire; an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau; a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor; and a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of St. Sava.

West was born in Boston and graduated from Boston University in 1931. After graduating from the General Theological Seminary he was ordained a deacon in 1934 and was ordained a priest in 1935.

He served as curate and then rector of Trinity Church in Ossining, New York, from 1934 to 1941 and was then named the Sacrist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. He was named Canon Sacrist in 1943 and Sub Dean of the cathedral in 1966. As Sub Dean, he was responsible for cathedral life when the Dean was absent or, as was often the case, when the position was unfilled. He retired in 1981 as Canon Sacrist.