The Defence of Canada Volume 1 In the Arms of the Empire 1760-1939 by Gwynne Dyer and Tina Viljoen

The Defence of Canada Volume 1 In the Arms of the Empire 1760-1939 by Gwynne Dyer and Tina Viljoen. This is a rather controversial history on this topic. A second volume was expected but never published as far as I can tell. This probably has something to do with the reception the documentary this book was based on received. This is a Canadian centered account which is unusual. The introduction deals with some of the criticisms mainly that this is anti-American and isolationist. Dyer and Viljoen claim that they originally expected to do a more traditional perspective but over time realized the contradictions. So an isolationist policy would have been better. There is quite a bit of information the history is an excellent one. Some will be frustrated by the conclusions but this does not change the fact that this is well argued. The writing is very good. Dyer's wit is on display throughout. For example when discussing Sir Sam Hughes: "he couldn't organize a drunk in a brewery."

Highly recommended!

Is available through Abebooks.