Description

Title: The Great Railway: The Last Spike
Author/Publisher: Pierre Berton (McClelland & Stewart)
Publication Year: 1971
Format: Hardcover

Synopsys: "The Great Railway: The Last Spike" by Pierre Berton is an engrossing chronicle of the remarkable achievement of Canada in the late nineteenth century - the completion of the transcontinental railway. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and economic uncertainty, Berton narrates the epic challenges and triumphs of ambitious visionaries, relentless engineers, and hard laborers who dared to connect the nation coast-to-coast, from Atlantic to Pacific. The driving of the last spike signifies not only the physical culmination of a colossal project but also the birth of a unified nation, despite the high human cost and scandalous wheeling and dealing. The narrative is a testament to human audacity, spirit of adventure and endurance through a transformative era in Canadian history.

Synopsis

Published in 1971, 'The Great Railway: The Last Spike' by Pierre Berton stands as a pivotal historical account of one of Canada's most monumental feats: the completion of its transcontinental railway. This non-fiction work delves into the epic journey that connected a vast nation, a project fraught with immense challenges and propelled by audacious vision.

Berton, a highly acclaimed Canadian historian, meticulously chronicles the ambition, political manoeuvring, economic uncertainty, and sheer human endeavour that defined the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. From the daring conception to the dramatic laying of the final spike, this volume captures the essence of a nation coming of age through its grandest infrastructure project.

• The Grand Vision: Explore the political machinations, economic imperatives, and the sheer audacity of visionaries who dared to dream of a railway spanning the Canadian wilderness, laying the groundwork for a unified nation.
• Epic Challenges and Triumphs: Delve into the monumental engineering feats required to conquer unforgiving landscapes, alongside the hardships and perseverance of the diverse workforce, from relentless engineers to tireless labourers, who built the railway against all odds.
• A Nation United: Witness the profound impact of the completed railway on Canada's nascent identity, economy, and geographical unity, transforming isolated regions into a cohesive dominion.

This second edition from 1971 represents a significant and engaging contribution to Canadian history. As a vintage edition, it offers a tangible connection to the narrative of nation-building, with this particular copy carrying a personal inscription, adding a unique and individual dimension for any discerning collector of historical narratives.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications