A Little History of Canada

I’m very happy that I read A Little History of Canada. It is exactly what is advertised: a short, well-written, and accessible overview of the country. This was a perfect read for this American who knew pathetically little about this country which I like to visit frequently. I certainly feel as though I know more about the tensions over time that have given Canada its current shape and character. I was also feel as though I understand Canada’s odd relationships with Great Britain (certainly a mystery for an American reader--why didn’t Canada just want to cut ties?) and with the United States.The one criticism that I’ve read about Nelles’s book is that it is opinionated at times, a fact which the author acknowledges in his preface. That said, I only found the book to be opinionated in its very final chapter (Nelles isn’t a particular fan of Stephen Harper or of the US’s response to 9/11), and to be honest, I think that’s quite forgivable since the last two decades have not yet been processed through a historical filter. Any assessment of a recent time would feel opinionated.On the whole, this was a good little read, an excellent first primer for the history of a unique nation.

A lot to be compressed in this short volume. Good for not-so-avid readers like me. Keeps you engrossed all the time. Another interesting thing is I found it very neutral with emphasis on providing facts with no biases.

I bought this book because as a Canadian living in the UK I felt I needed to know more about my country.I was hoping for an entertaining read that wasn’t too filled with a details but would give a nice short overview. Instead what I found was that it was a yawn worthy euro-centric account of the many details involved in creating the country we know today as Canada. I was disappointed that it was so heavily from the white perspective (hello, every Canadian is a settler/immigrant - unless we are aboriginal), which I found to be disappointing since there is no shortage of the British/colonial accounts of Canada’s history.I think those who don’t mind not knowing much about our ugly past (ie: treaties, residential schools, the Indian act etc), and would prefer to overlook this & be hit with a very arduous account of Canada’s history from the white male pov, then I think it would be interesting enough.

My public education largely failed me in any Canadian history. This book was well written and covered a huge amount of information and time line. I greatly enjoyed it!

I got it for my school curriculum. It's boring but interesting at the same time. It's fun if you are 50, Canadian, and have nothing to do. Then you can buy this and read as a leisure activity. Otherwise, don't bother. But in size like 4×6 and red and look cute.

Handy little reference when visiting with New Canadians .