Poet-critic Tom Marshall examines four stages in the development of a purely Canadian tradition in poetry through a focus on the work of major poets writing in English from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

Set against the background of Canada's twentieth century transformation from a rural and agricultural society into an urban technological nation, General Pearkes's career makes a compelling biographical study.

A unique account of the way social and economic conditions were actually felt and experienced in B.C. at the time of Confederation.