A Cyclopædia of Canadian Biography / Brief biographies of persons distinguished in the professional, military and political life, and the commerce and industry of Canada, in the twentieth century

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53635

Title

A Cyclopædia of Canadian Biography / Brief biographies of persons distinguished in the professional, military and political life, and the commerce and industry of Canada, in the twentieth century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1919 volume offers brief biographies of Canadians distinguished in professional, military, political, and industrial spheres during the twentieth century. Edited by Hector Charlesworth, it captures a pivotal era marked by World War I, national expansion, and the rise of Western Canada, serving as a unique historical record of the nation's evolution.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1919, *A Cyclopædia of Canadian Biography* continues the legacy of the *Representative Canadians* series, aiming to document the achievements of Canadians who contributed to the nation's intellectual, industrial, and political growth. Edited by Hector Charlesworth, the volume captures a pivotal era in Canadian history, marking the transition from colonial status to national identity. The text is profoundly shaped by World War I, which permeates nearly every biography through references to military service, bereavement, and honors. The book profiles a diverse array of figures, including prominent politicians like Sir Robert Borden and Sir Wilfrid Laurier, military officers such as Hon. Pierre Edouard Blondin, and industrial leaders like Levi Crannell in the lumber industry and Jose Antonio Machado in banking. It also celebrates the development of the Canadian West, noting the commercial and intellectual progress of provinces west of the Great Lakes. The biographies range from legal practitioners and professors to businessmen and clergy, illustrating the broad scope of Canadian society at the time. The volume serves as a valuable resource for understanding the characters and events that shaped Canada during a crucial period in world history, preserving the sole records of many who initiated great enterprises or furthered important movements. By comparing the careers recorded in 1919 with those from 1886 and 1888, the reader gains a sense of the country's continuous expansion and the increasing scale of Canadian commerce and enterprise. The book remains a unique historical record, offering a vivid picture of Canada as it navigated the years of the greatest war in all history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography