Canadian History for Dummies

We always knew Canadian history could be fun, and Will Ferguson proves it in his second edition of Canadian History for Dummies. Approachable in the extreme, this text is fun because of Ferguson's undisputed gift for unearthing our national quirkiness and for illuminating those parts of our heritage that make us a unique people. At first the academic reader might register surprise at the choice of author for the Canadian history text in this wildly popular series, but this is truly a match made in editorial heaven. With his arrestingly titled Bastards and Boneheads and Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw, Ferguson has made a strong claim to being the light-hearted guardian of our national popular culture, and this book is true to form, with anecdotes, asides, bullets, and a fast-paced style this book makes Canadian history more user-friendly than ever before. Behind it all, however, is serious and comprehensive Canadian history. Ferguson acknowledges the help of Don Smith--one of our truly great academic historians and textbook authors--and his expertise is evident throughout. But, as headings like "Western alienation or that #%@!* Trudeau" (382) and "Pemmican--Delicious and Nutritious" show, this is Ferguson's book, featuring his unparalleled gift at striking just the right note --William Newbigging