The Promised Land: Settling the West 1896-1914

by Pierre Berton

After the pioneers described in The National Dream, The Last Spike and Klondike came the settlers — a million people who filled a thousand miles of prairie in a single generation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Canada, Westerns, Historical

484 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1984

About the author

From narrative histories and popular culture, to picture and coffee table books to anthologies, to stories for children to readable, historical works for youth, many of his books are now Canadian classics.

Born in 1920 and raised in the Yukon, Pierre Berton worked in Klondike mining camps during his university years. He spent four years in the army, rising from private to captain/instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston. He spent his early newspaper career in Vancouver, where at 21 he was the youngest city editor on any Canadian daily. He wrote columns for and was editor of Maclean's magazine, appeared on CBC's public affairs program "Close-Up" and was a permanent fixture on "Front Page Challenge" for 39 years. He was a columnist and editor for the Toronto Star, and a writer and host of a series of CBC programs.

Pierre Berton has received over 30 literary awards including the Governor-General's Award for Creative Non-Fiction (three times), the Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour, and the Gabrielle Leger National Heritage Award. He received two Nellies for his work in broadcasting, two National Newspaper awards, and the National History Society's first award for "distinguished achievement in popularizing Canadian history." For his immense contribution to Canadian literature and history, he has been awarded more than a dozen honourary degrees, is a member of the Newsman's Hall of Fame and a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Reviews

[Jim Dowdell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It presented a big picture on the history without being too much text-bookish. From what I remember from 40 years ago reading Klondike it is typical Pierre Burton story telling.
Although it was written 30 years ago it gives good perspective on the minds of the original settlers. It also gives perspective on the attitudes of the Canadian elite, both a hundred pus years ago and 40 years ago when it was written by one. I had fun remembering my own perspective from those times when I settled (immigrated) in Alberta.
I gained several lessons on the “rugged individual”, on boom and bust, on the evolution of farming/ranching, on political evolution, on treaty relations and on corruption of the Liberal Party of Canada.
I recommend this book to anyone, especially those new to the history of settling Canada’s west. I am now going to start “Flames Across the Border”.

[Marc Chénier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I did enjoy The Promised Land it wasn't up to par to some other books by Pierre Berton. A lot of the historical figures he talked about were not very likable and showed quite a bit of the political corruption of our Canadian past. In his other works the subjects were more evenly distributed between amusing anecdotes and more shady stories. A bit of a downer but still very informative.

Next hardcover: "Vimy" by Pierre Berton (1986)

[Brad Mundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great stories here. Loved the one about the Doukhabours. For the length of the book, the content was lacking. Would have preferred more info about how all the settlers got to their destinations (good info on Barr settlers but not for others).

[Stephen Morris]

Yet another great Berton read. It chronicles the period when Canada aimed to populate the prairies. Full of interesting stories. The politicians don't come out of it looking too good; this seems to be a common theme in Pierre Berton's books!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the political events were dry reading, but necessary to show the corruption and manipulation that took place when Western Canada was being settled. A good read that explains some of the opinions that remain in Western Canada to this day.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes Historical Non Fiction as Pierre Berton did . A fascinating read to say the least . I totally enjoyed and recommend this as a must read for those who enjoy this genre.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that has moved me to tears time and again. (I suspect because I'm descended from some of the peoples described in this book and my hometown of Brandon is featured prominently.) This is Burton's epic of immigration, what would become one of the great defining characteristics of Canada. The seeds of our multicultural nation are explored, as is the start of what we think of as Western Canadian culture. We follow the stories of several people through the era, from impoverished immigrants to powerful politicians. Most fascinatingly, Clifford Sifton, once one of the most powerful men in the country, who is now no more than a footnote to history. Burton tells the story of the people of the West in a way that never fails to captivate.
This is my favourite of Burton's, and one that I've returned to many times. It reminds me how lucky modern Canadians are to live in the nation that these settlers built as well as the importance of keeping our culture of multiculturalism. (Which I know may not make sense to non-Canadians, but that seemingly contradictory notion is one of the best things about our country, to me at least.)

[Travis King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book the Berton's series dealing with the birth and expansion of the Canadian West. A very interesting read if you were born or lived in one of the Prairie Provinces. One has to wonder what happened to the dream that was to make the Megatropolis of Winnipeg.

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very well written account of the settlement of the canadian west 1896-1914.It is entertaining and gives relevance to how the west has developedi really enjoyed this book

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favourites of his but that said it is still a good read about the immigration push to papulate the prairies at the turn of the last century. Interesting.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to compare the initial expansion of the west with what is happening today with the oil sands, potash etc.

[Darlene Stericker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging book with fascinating personal stories. The corruption at the time (1896 - 1914) makes today look quite innocent. Highly recommended.