First Invaders

The Literary Origins of British Columbia

edited by Alan Twigg

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Description

The names Cook and Quadra ring a bell for most of us, as do Bering and Vancouver, but how much do we know about the Greek-born navigator, Juan de Fuca or the Machiavelli of the maritime fur trade, John Meares? British Columbia's earliest authors and explorers are skilfully introduced, for the first time collectively, by Alan Twigg. This is a compelling account of the characters, events and intrigues that comprised British Columbia's earliest literary history prior to 1800.

About the Author

Alan Twigg was the founder and for 33 years editor of BC Book World, Canada's largest-circulating publication about books. He has also been contributing editor of Quill & Quire, Canadian books columnist for the Vancouver Province, books columnist for Vancouver magazine, a contributor of profiles to the Toronto Star and the Writers Union of Canada representative on the board of directors of the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. In 2000, he was the first recipient of the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to literature and publishing. In 2015 he received the Order of Canada and in 2016 the BC Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. In 2022 Simon Fraser University awarded him a Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa, citing his “immense contribution to the promotion of B.C. literature and authors."

Alan is the author of twenty books to date including For Openers: Conversations with 24 Canadian Writers, Hubert Evans: The First Ninety-Three Years, Vancouver and Its Writers, Vander Zalm: from Immigrant to Premier, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia and Cuba: 101 Top Historical Sites and Out of Hiding: Holocaust Literature of British Columbia (Ronsdale 2022).

Awards

Short-listed, B.C. Book Prize

Editorial Review

“There is absolutely no substitute for this panorama of our shared beginnings.” —Mark Forsythe, CBC Almanac

“First Invaders is a delightful blend of coastal history and literary exploration. I got lost and found in it.” —Edith Iglauer, author of Fishing with John

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First Invaders

The Literary Origins of British Columbia

edited by Alan Twigg

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