The National Dream.: The Last Spike

by Pierre Berton

Book Overview

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0771013329
• ISBN13: 9780771013324
• Release Date: January 1974
• Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
• Length: 511 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Canadian historical and popular classic

Pierre Berton's two volume history of the building of the Canadian railway is a tour-de-force. It is not only history but a narrative filled with colourful characters from the early days of Canadian Confederation. The politicians, the builders, the labourers, the surveyors, the boom towns and native unrest, it is a rich depiction of the building of the railroad. This is not strictly of interest to Canadians, it is of interest to all who enjoy such topics as the 19th century, the settlement of the west, and the social conditions and the mindset of the 1870's and 1880's. Highly recommended, it stands up well almost 30 years after print. Also highly recommended by Pierre Berton, My Country, Vimy and The Arctic Grail

Outstanding drama, an epic journey that shaped Canada and US

I used that book as background before presenting (as an American) to an entirely Canadian audience of professionals. The vision, daring, and epic struggles of the surveyors rival any Lewis and Clark tale. Well told by expert story teller and historian Pierre Berton, the building of the transcontinental railroad and historical impact of the accompanying politics make for riveting reading. It is likely that few commericial/enginnering efforts have done so much to change and shape a national identity. Lots of parallels for anyone undertaking the building of a business today, as we face the unkowns of technology vs. the unknowns of geography.