Travels through Canada and the United States of North America in the Years 1806, 1807, and 1808

This 1811 book, reissued here in the 'improved' 1814 edition, is packed with fascinating anecdotes and observations on colonial society.

John Lambert (Author)

9781108033268, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 July 2011

626 pages, 14 colour illus. 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.79 kg

In the opening decades of the nineteenth century, the writings of John Lambert renewed the British public's fascination with the landscapes, peoples, flora, and fauna of the Canadian colonies and the United States. First published in 1811, and ultimately running into four editions, this two-volume work is packed with closely-observed descriptions, facts and figures about colonial life, as well as lively anecdotes. The 'corrected and improved' second edition reissued here was published in 1814, towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars. It promised to 'enable the British reader to form a just opinion of the Canadian colonies, and to appreciate the character of the neighbouring enemies who threaten their existence'. A trained painter, Lambert illustrated his account with lithographs based on his own watercolours. Volume 1 contains accounts of Lambert's outward voyage, Newfoundland and Quebec, covering subjects as diverse as chimney sweeps, French Jesuits, maple sugar, and 'stinking cheese'.

Preface to the second edition
Introduction to the first edition
1. Passage to the Grand Bank
2. Hire of houses at Quebec
3. Origin of the name of Quebec
4. Chateau St. Louis
5. Upper Town of Quebec
6. Curious jargon in the market place
7. Climate of Lower Canada
8. Soil of Lower Canada
9. Population of Lower Canada
10. Handsome children
11. Government of Lower Canada
12. Commerce of Lower Canada
13. Trade between Canada and the United States
14. Society of the towns in Lower Canada
15. Amusements and diversions
16. Literature, arts, and sciences
17. Roman Catholic clergy
18. Aborigines of North America
19. Face of Lower Canada
20. Canadian animals
21. Forest trees
22. Leave Quebec
23. Town of Three Rivers
24. Leave Three Rivers.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]