Catharine Parr Traill: Backwoods Pioneer

Elisabeth Anne MacDonald-Murray is a private scholar, writing and
editing in Souris, Manitoba.

Written in a straightforward and engaging narrative style, this
biography of the famous early pioneer writer relates her life from her
early years as a member of a literary family in England to her marriage
and move to the backwoods of Upper Canada. It details not only the
hazards of travel by sea and by land but also the primitive nature of
life in the young colony, and the hardships of making a living in the
new land. Drawing on the writings of both Traill herself and her family,
Martin has created a vivid picture of early pioneer life. Accompanying
the text are numerous illustrations, maps, and photographs, and the text
itself is punctuated by inset articles that highlight excerpts from
Traill’s writings and provide further information about related
issues, such as the dangers of cholera, the making of maple syrup, and
the 1837 Rebellion.

This slim volume will prove an invaluable resource to young scholars,
with its detailed information, glossary, and suggestions for further
reading. Martin has produced an excellent introduction to the life of a
remarkable woman in Canada’s early history. Highly recommended.