WILLIAM WYE SMITH: RECOLLECTIONS OF A NINETEENTH CENTURY SCOTTISH CANADIAN.

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 This fully annotated version of his unpublished manuscript highlights Smith's unwitting testimony to the social life of the province, his relationship to the construction and maintenance of Scottish and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 - a soft bump to the bottom corner of approx. pages 210 to the end of the book - progresses to the rear of the book, otherwise clean and tight with other ownership marks. Exterior - bump to the bottom corner of the rear cover.. First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good.