This selection of writings by twenty-nine women, known and unknown, professional and amateur, presents a unique portrait of Canada through time and space, from the seventeenth to the early twentieth centuries, from the Maritimes to British Columbia and the Far North. There is a range of voices from high-born wives of governors general, to an Icelandic immigrant and a fishermans wife in Labrador. A Loyalist wife and mother describes the first hard weather in New Brunswick, a seasick nun tells of a dangerous voyage out from France, a famous childrens writer writes home about the fun of canoeing, and a German generals wife describes habitant customs. All demonstrate how womens experiences not only shared, but helped shape this new country.

Mary Alice Downie has written and edited twenty-eight books for children and adults. Her many books includeAnd Some Brought Flowers with Mary Hamilton, andThe Well-Filled Cupboard with Barbara Robertson. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.Barbara Robertson, now deceased, earned degrees in history from the University of Toronto and Queens University. She was also the author ofWilfrid Laurier and co-editor ofOttawa at War.Elizabeth Jane Errington is currently dean of arts at the Royal Military College and also teaches at Queens University. Her research interests centre on life in 19th-century Upper Canada. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.