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Review praises content and format of Parting, Prophecy, Poetry

Posted by Mike Hunter on January 8, 2014

A very nice review in Journal of Folklore Research (December 2013) of Fògradh, Fàisneachd, Filidheachd / Parting, Prophecy, Poetry.

“The essays provide a fascinating glimpse of Scottish Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada at the turn of the nineteenth century.”

“Nicely produced, … the book also includes parallel English and Scottish Gaelic texts. One hopes to see more works … published in this type of format.” We’ll keep that in mind!

Parting, Prophecy, Poetry was very well received when launched in Scotland in August (2013).

A very nice review in Journal of Folklore Research (December 2013) of Fògradh, Fàisneachd, Filidheachd / Parting, Prophecy, Poetry. “The essays… Continue»

“a wonder to behold”: review of French Taste

Posted by Mike Hunter on

We just saw this awesome review of French Taste in Atlantic Canada 1604-1758 / Le goût Français au Canada Atlantique 1604-1758 in Journal of Folklore Research (November 2013).

“A beautiful, comprehensive introduction [and] insights woven beautifully into the texts of the chapters. The original historical and archaeological sources of these notes are rigorously documented.”

Okay, we just have to share two whole paragraphs:

“The beauty of the book is a wonder to behold. The pictures and reproductions of figures and maps from ancient texts are extremely beautiful. Simply opening and leafing through the book allows one to plunge into and breathe the scent of past history. One can read the book in one breath, at least the first time; then you can and should read it again to fully appreciate the rigor with which it is written, and the wealth of information about the history of the French colonies and the history of French gastronomy that was transported, modified and given life on another continent.

“The book, written in English and in French, is a jewel that will be useful to historians in general, and specifically to gastronomic historians, more or less professional chefs, and even those who simply want to experiment with recipes of the French cuisine that was becoming established in Canada in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.”

Did we mention that French Taste / Le goût Français won an Atlantic Book Award in 2013?

We just saw this awesome review of French Taste in Atlantic Canada 1604-1758 / Le goût Français au Canada… Continue»

“An informative historical read”: review of Brotherhood Economics

Posted by Laura Bast on January 3, 2014

There were some remarkable women in Nova Scotia. As blogger Erin Hancock, reviewing a CBU Press title, Brotherhood Economics: Women and Co-Operatives in Nova Scotia, writes, “Women were seen as critical to economic prosperity after the ’30s.”

Hancock does a great job of providing the highlights of the book. Her overall assessment is:

The author did an incredible job locating lots of material that really told the story and threaded it all together. This is an informative historical read and appealing to those interested in both co-operatives as well as feminism.

Read her review in full for more highlights from the book.

There were some remarkable women in Nova Scotia. As blogger Erin Hancock, reviewing a CBU Press title, Brotherhood Economics: Women… Continue»

“A joy to read”: review

Posted by Mike Hunter on December 10, 2013

The latest edition of The Nashwaak Review (vol. 26-27) is out and includes a wonderful review of Frank Macdonald’s A Possible Madness. We suggest you check out the whole review at: http://w3.stu.ca/stu/about/publications/nashwaak/pdfs/NASHWAAK11SAWLERREVIEW.pdf, but here are a few gems.

“This is a novel that is definitely worthy of attention. […] The poetic quality of his prose demonstrate[s] so clearly that a town is more than a mere collection of buildings … and give[s] this novel depth and richness.”

“Macdonald’s seamless blending of technology, nature and politics … is both timely and well executed. […] He consistently brings these topics down to an emotional and personal level that speaks directly to the reader.”

“Macdonald clearly demonstrates how corporate invasions like the one he includes in his novel are more than merely political or environmental issues.”

A Possible Madness is “a joy to read.”

The latest edition of The Nashwaak Review (vol. 26-27) is out and includes a wonderful review of Frank Macdonald’s A… Continue»

Books for the Young and Young at Heart

Posted by Laura Bast on December 9, 2013

Laura Best, author of the young adult novel Bitter, Sweet, has made up a holiday list of recommended YA books. It’s a good guide to the best new Nova Scotian young adult books, including CBUP’s own Trapper Boy and Me & Mr. Bell.

She writes, “While any of these books would make a great gift for that young person on your list keep in mind that adults might enjoy them as well.”

So, people who like to read, young and old, this list is a good place to start your holiday shopping.

Laura Best, author of the young adult novel Bitter, Sweet, has made up a holiday list of recommended YA books…. Continue»

Railway Days — Listen Online

Posted by Laura Bast on November 26, 2013

Two weeks ago, on Friday, November 15, Herb MacDonald, author of Cape Breton Railways: An Illustrated History, gave a talk at the Spring Garden branch of the Halifax Public Library. Railway Days attracted 60 people to the library, and they heard about the history of the railroad in Nova Scotia, from the 1900s up to the present day.

The Halifax Media Co-op did a little write-up about the talk, in case you missed it, and you can listen to the lecture online. You can find the post about it here, and a link to the audio file at the top of the page, under the title and author of the post.

Two weeks ago, on Friday, November 15, Herb MacDonald, author of Cape Breton Railways: An Illustrated History, gave a talk at… Continue»

National Scottish Gaelic Awards recognizes “Fonn: The Campbells of Greepe”

Posted by Campbell Family on November 22, 2013

National Scottish Gaelic Awards recognizes Fonn: The Campbells of Greepe

We are delighted for our friends at Acair Books, Stornoway, who recently scored two awards for their publication Fonn: The Campbells of Greepe, Music and a Sense of Place in a Gaelic Family Song Tradition, available in Canada from Cape Breton University Press.

This week, at the first ever national Scottish Gaelic Awards, the book won the Arts and Culture award for “outstanding achievement in the arts in 2013.” In October, it was pronounced Gaelic Book of the Year at the Royal National Mòd, Gaeldom’s premier cultural festival.

Through the memories of one family, one of Gaeldom’s great singing dynasties, the rich and cultural heritage of Gaelic Scotland is revealed. One of the best known names in Gaelic Music, the story of The Campbells of Greepe is synonymous with the way in which the cultural legacy of a community can be safeguarded, while a new generation of performers is nurtured at the same time.

This latest award is a great honour and the family are absolutely delighted that their work to celebrate the music, song and culture of the family and their community (from northwest Skye) has been recognized in this way.

Fonn is an elegant book, in Gaelic and English, that combines the memories of The Campbells of Greepe with traditional Gaelic songs and music – on paper and on a CD.

The Scottish Gaelic Awards ceremony recognized achievements throughout the Gaelic world this year and was supported by the Daily Record and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

National Scottish Gaelic Awards recognizes Fonn: The Campbells of Greepe We are delighted for our friends at Acair Books, Stornoway,… Continue»

Shop Atlantic This Holiday

Posted by Laura Bast on November 18, 2013

Atlantic literature is in the spotlight at Chapters Indigo this holiday season.

Check out their featured shop Atlantic Canadian Books for the Holidays. You’ll find something for everyone — biographies, novels, kids’ books, history books, art books, cookbooks, travel books — all with a focus on Atlantic Canada.

And, yes, you can even find some of CBUP’s books on this impeccable list.

Shop online at this retailer if these books are unavailable from your local bookseller.

Atlantic literature is in the spotlight at Chapters Indigo this holiday season. Check out their featured shop Atlantic Canadian Books for… Continue»

“Tales of Christmases Past”: Atlantic Books Today Holiday Issue

Posted by Laura Bast on November 15, 2013

The special holiday 2013 issue of Atlantic Books Today is here! If you’ve got any history-lovers in your family, you’ll want to check here for some good gift-giving ideas. Here’s what you’ll find in ABT’s holiday issue — The history issue — about CBU Press’s books:

“Anne Renaud’s book, The Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan . . . has been shortlisted for the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature” (p.8). (There’s also a kind review of the book on pp.40-41.)

On Jeanne Dugas of Acadia: “It’s a novel completely about the past, with no invented characters and no imagined events. Everything, except for dialogue and thoughts, is based on the known history of the family about whom Cohoon writes. For those already familiar with events from the 1730s to the early 1800s, the book personalizes the tumultuous era in a way historians cannot” (pp.11-12).

On The Manager: “The original storyline combines entertaining road trip with a spirited sports yarn and a touching family drama” (p.19).

On Bearing the People Away: The Portable Highland Clearances Companion “Sawyers’ intimate knowledge of the subject shines throughout this go-to guide, ideal for both general reader and history buff” (p.45).

You can read the entire issue online here.

The special holiday 2013 issue of Atlantic Books Today is here! If you’ve got any history-lovers in your family, you’ll want… Continue»

Louisbourg and the Twists of Time

Posted by Laura Bast on November 14, 2013

A.J.B. Johnston, author of many books of history, and, more recently, the historical fiction novel Thomas: A Secret Life, will be giving a lecture at the Government House in Halifax, as part of a series entitled Evenings @ Government House. Details:

Tuesday November 19, 2013
7:00pm-8:30pm
Government House, 1451 Barrington Street, Halifax

Pre-registration is required, and can be done by calling 902-424-7001 or emailing lgoffice@gov.ns.ca.

For more information about the event, go here.

For more information about A.J.B. Johnston, go here.

A.J.B. Johnston, author of many books of history, and, more recently, the historical fiction novel Thomas: A Secret Life, will… Continue»