When the pace of railroad construction slackened in 1914, Canada had achieved a remarkable position in the railway world. Only five other countries—the United States, Russia, Germany, India, and, by a small margin, France—possessed a greater mileage; and, relatively to population, none came anywhere near her. This is the story of how Canada became a country stitched together by rail.

In conformity with its title, this volume, save for the earlier chapters, is history rather than biography, is of the day, more than of the man. The aim has been to review the more significant events and tendencies in the recent political life of Canada. (from the Preface)Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1841-1919) was a member of parliament for 45 years (1874-1919) and Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. He was Canada's first French-speaking prime minister and did much to reconcile English and French Canada. (TriciaG)