Staking Claims to a Continent: John A. Macdonald, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, and the Making of North America

This second book in Laxer’s North American history trilogy (following Tecumseh and Brock), depicts a pivotal clash among a powerful triumvirate of men striving to shape the destiny of the United States and Canada. John A. Macdonald, Abraham Lincoln, and Jefferson Davis—leaders of Canada, the United States, and the Confederate States of America respectively—are shown here as individuals and also as players in the greater scope of their society and time. The book is fast-paced, full of people and governments that are frantic to position themselves to greatest advantage. Laxer gives a play-by-play of the events leading up to the American Civil War and Canadian Confederation, as well as aftershocks, such as the Red River Rebellion in Canada. This is a vast, formidable work by a writer with an imposing collection of historical and political writings to his name. Despite the abundant detail, the writing is lively and spiced up with quotes from primary sources, helping to make the book satisfying and intriguing while leaving readers with a fresh perspective on the men who set out to claim the continent. Agent: Jackie Kaiser, Westwood Creative Artists. (Sept.)