WILLIAM WYE SMITH: RECOLLECTIONS OF A NINETEENTH CENTURY SCOTTISH CANADIAN. by McLean, Scott A. and Vance, Michael E., editors. (William Wye Smith) - 2008

Toronto: Natural Heritage, 2008. 421 pp, large 8vo (9" H). B&w illustrations. "Many nineteenth-century writers highlighted the difficulties recent immigrants faced - the clearing of forest and the breaking of new ground, the isolation and long Canadian winters - and emphasized what they perceived as the negative, alienating influences of Ontario's rapid urban and industrial expansion. In turn, however, they celebrated the progress demonstrated in the pioneers' domination over nature, the establishment of thriving communities, and the extension of transportation networks. William Wye Smith, a popular nineteenth-century Upper Canadian poet, was no exception. Smith prepared his 'Canadian Reminiscences', a handwritten compilation of anecdotes that relate to his experiences as journalist, clergyman, and son of Scottish settlers, to provide his own unique perspective of pioneer life. This fully annotated version of his unpublished manuscript highlights Smith's unwitting testimony to the social life of the province, his relationship to the construction and maintenance of Scottish and Canadian identity, and his position in literary history." Interior - clean and tight with no previous ownership marks. Exterior - slight twist to the spine. . First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good+.