Mavericks: An Incorrigible History Of Alberta

By Aritha van Herk

Book Overview

The fifth title in our provincial histories series, Mavericks is an idiosyncratic and episodic history of what is arguably Canada's most unconventional province. From mapmakers to ranchers, Stampede Wrestling to Stockwell Day, acclaimed writer Aritha van Herk brings the drama and combative beauty of this irascible province to stunning life. van Herk's portrait of her home province embraces all its extremes, from deadly and spectacular weather to dinosaur graveyards, and from oil gushers and geysers to barnstorming social reformers and political haymakers. Bronc-riders of boom and bust, Alberta's people are a beguiling mixture of opinionated extremists, hardy pioneers and gentle sinners. Alberta is a province that most Canadians simply don't understand, the province most Canadians love to hate. It is regarded as a land of reckless, redneck and ignorant individualists. But it is also the province where the Famous Five fought the landmark Person's Case, giving Canadian women the same status as men in the eyes of the law, a province that truly believes in free speech. Albertans tolerate in their midst people whose extreme views on any manner of subjects would make them outcasts elsewhere. And Albertans practice the creed of western neighbourliness, giving assiduously to charity and always lending a hand where help is needed. They are a tough, tender bunch, squinting into the wind of determined difference. If you're an Albertan, you'll recognize yourself and your home in this book. If you're not an Albertan, this book will be an education for you. Mavericks will open your eyes to the real Alberta, as she was and is.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140286020
• ISBN13: 9780140286021
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Penguin Canada
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.4" x 1.1" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Alberta Re-defined

'Mavericks:An Incorrigible History of Alberta' depicts the evolution of a stabilized culture and civil society in the province called Alberta.The author attempts to dissolve the delineations of genres as she presents facts in a way that is inimitable.The approach to the history of the province enhances the amount of interest that the reader has.All the fourteen sections are worth regarding as regards the enlisting of ideas and the style of presentation.The narrative provides the formation of the landmass right from the primordial time and deals with the slow infiltration of fur traders into the province.It is the saga of the troubles and tribulations of the First Nations people who are the true inheritors of the province.The last section which gives the details of some of the characteristics of Alberta is quite interesting.