Enmeshed in a broader global struggle between England and France and the target of fierce American jingoism, the young provinces of Upper Canada, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had scarcely established themselves before they were plunged into a war that defined what Canada was and would become. By the time the war was over, York?s parliament buildings had been set on fire, Niagara-on-the-Lake burned to the ground, Buffalo lay in ashes, and the American capital of Washington, far to the south, had been put to the torch.
Pierre Berton's War of 1812 by Pierre Berton combines the author's two books on the subject, The Invasion of Canada (which deals with the war's first year and the events that led up to it) and Flames Across the Border (which follows the continuing course of the war), in a single commemorative volume. A passionate voice for Canada and our history, Berton offers an engrossing narrative that reads like a fast-paced novel. Drawing on personal memoirs and diaries as well as official dispatches, he captures the courage, determination and terror of the universal soldier, giving new dimension and fresh perspective to this early conflict between the two emerging nations of North America.
The 2012 Summer Olympics will be hosted in London from July 27th until August 12th this summer. While you're flying your colours, why not get into the game with one of these great books?
Categories: New Releases, Book Lists
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the only armed conflict in history between Canada and the United States. Regularly overshadowed by the larger conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries, the war was nonetheless a pivotal moment for both nations
For the Americans, the war saw the beginning of a proud naval tradition, and the United States' first steps onto the world stage as a military power. For Canadians, it was the first spark of our national identity, which grew into a flame in World War 1.
The War of 1812 was a moment of truth for the young nations of North America. Two hundred years later, it's worth remembering as a vital part of our history.
Click here for an informative selection of titles on the War of 1812
Categories: Book Lists, History
Our home and native land turns 145 years young this weekend, and millions of Canadians are gearing up to celebrate with lots of sun, plenty of food, and a few controlled explosions. Why not throw in a good book while we're at it?
If you'd like to take this opportunity to learn about Canada's history, why not start close to home? Maggie Siggins' Riel: A Life of Revolution explores the life of Manitoba's founding father. In The Invasion of Canada, Pierre Berton takes us back to 1812, and Canada's only armed conflict with our neighbours to the South. Sarah Carter and Patricia McCormack share the stories of First Nations women in Recollecting, while Alvin Finkel leads a tour of the late 20th Century in Our Lives: Canada After 1945
If you're looking for lighter reading this weekend, Ken Robinson has you covered. With the irreverent Why I Hate Canadians, he reminds us that "Canadian" is not synonymous with "perfect". With his brother Ian Ferguson, he examines the quirks of Canadian culture in How to Be a Canadian. Sandy DeBreuil illustrates the simple life of a quintessential Canadian in Crowbar Benson, a comic strip available online or in the printed collection Hands of Cement.
It's no surprise that a country as picturesque as ours would inspire fantastic photography. Canada's glorious natural landscape is explored in countless pictorials, notably Mike Grandmaison and Shelagh Rogers' Canada and Parks Canada's Canada's National Parks.
Kids are always in on the celebration, and what better opportunity to learn how great it is to live in Canada? Ted Harrison's O Canada illustrates our national anthem in a loving tribute to the diverse places and people of our nation. With Who Runs This Country, Anyway?, Joanne Stanbridge teaches kids a valuable lesson about how the government works. David Bouchard and Henry Ripplinger pay tribute to Canada's flattest provinces with If You're Not From the Prairie... Finally, this list can't be complete without that most Canadian of stories, The Hockey Sweater
If you're curious our stores will be open their usual Sunday hours (Winnipeg 12-6 and Saskatoon 10-6) but both will be closed on Monday.
From everyone at McNally Robinson, have a fantastic Canada Day, no matter how you choose to celebrate.
Categories: Book ListsThe art of dance is one of humanity's earliest and most primal forms of expression. Whether you're flawlessly executing the steps of a complicated tango or flailing joyously along with the radio, you're taking part in a tradition older than civilisation. Here are a few titles to inspire you.
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