The Book of the West
The story of western Canada, its birth and early adventures, its youthful combats, its peaceful settlement, its great transformation, and its present ways
"The Book of the West" by Howard Angus Kennedy is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the development of Western Canada, detailing its rich history from the birth of the landscape to the advent of the first settlers and their experiences. It offers insights into the engagement between Indigenous peoples and European explorers, as well as the subsequent transformations in society and industry. At the start of the narrative, the author recounts a dramatic personal experience during a conflict on Cutknife Hill in 1885, which symbolizes the end of the old Wild West and the start of an era of peace and settlement. The opening chapters further explore the ancient history of the land, describing the prehistoric creatures that roamed it and the arrival of Indigenous peoples. Kennedy emphasizes the theme of adventure in everyday life, transitioning into narratives about the first encounters with Europeans and their exploration endeavors, setting a rich backdrop for the unfolding stories of Western settlement and development.