Historical Dictionary of Canada (Historical Dictionaries of the Americas) - Hardcover

Gough, Barry M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810854961 ISBN 13: 9780810854963

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2010

Synopsis

Once on the margins of European empires, notably those of France, England and Spain, then a focus of international rivalries and wars during the 18th century, Canada is now a nation that is front and center in the world's affairs. Canada's emergence as a modern industrial nation and a key player in the resource, commodities, and financial institutions that make up today's world shows many aspects of what ex-colonial powers have gone through―except that compromise and reform rather than revolution and revolt have been the cardinal historical features.

The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Canada greatly expands on the first edition through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, and institutions, as well as on significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects. This book is an essential guide to the history of Canada.

About this title

About the Author:

Barry Gough is professor emeritus of Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, and adjunct professor of History at the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario.

Review:

A useful reference for students and general readers. (The Canadian Historical Review)

Recommended for academic libraries. (CHOICE)

This reference gives the serious scholar as well as the casual visitor to Canada a better appreciation for the uniqueness of this interesting country. (American Reference Books Annual)

The book will undoubtedly be useful for quick reference. (British Journal of Canadian Studies)

One part history book, two parts lexicon, this guide defines the people, regions, resources, and events that have shaped Canada since its colonization 500 years ago. To augment the detailed opening time line, Gough (history, Wilfrid Laurier Univ., Ont.) offers an engaging introduction to Canadian history, organizing his essay with chronological subheadings. Alphabetically arranged entries run several paragraphs to several pages in length and offer focused explanations. An appendix lists prime ministers and governors, while a 46-page bibliography presents an expansive range of province-oriented titles. This alone offers a strong survey of Canadian civilization. (Library Journal)

At nearly twice the size of the original, well-received 1999 edition, this second edition updates entries and expands the scope and depth of coverage. The volume consists of more than 500 alphabetically ordered and cross-referenced entries on the history, politics, economy, and culture of Canada. Prominent people, locations, events, and organizations are included as well. Historically on the borders of multiple European empires, Canada is now a modern industrialized nation with a prominent role on the world stage. Reflecting this unique and varied history are entries on, for example, Cartier, Jacques; Hudson's Bay Company; Seven Years' War; and Underground Railroad. Exhibiting Canada's multicultural history and diverse population are entries on Chinese Canadians, Blackfoot Confederacy, Immigration, and Inuit. Current socioeconomic and diplomatic concerns are explored in topics like Bank of Canada, Free trade, and Parliamentary system. Consistent with the notion of a dictionary, entries tend to be brief and cogent, though more complex topics, such as Foreign policy and World War II, warrant longer treatment. Additionally, the volume has an abundance of supplemental material: historical maps; a 25-page chronology; a 50-page introduction to the history of Canada; and a 50- page bibliography organized by various categories and having its own introduction and table of contents. There is also a chronologically arranged appendix, “Governors General, Prime Ministers, and Colonial Governors of Canada.” Overall, this is a handy quick-reference source that also provides a helpful springboard to further research on various Canadian topics via its comprehensive bibliography. Recommended for academic and public libraries, even those owning the previous edition. (Booklist)

Overall this would be a quality addition to any collection seeking an excellent introduction to Canadian studies. It is highly recommended for school libraries, post secondary and public libraries. (Reference Reviews)

About this edition

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0810854961
• ISBN 13: 9780810854963
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 548