The First Nova Scotian: The Story of Sir William Alexander and His Lost Colony of Charlesfort, Nova Scotia's First English-Speaking Settlement - Softcover

Mark Finnan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0887804101 ISBN 13: 9780887804106

Publisher: Formac Publishing Company Limited, 1997

Synopsis

This book tells the fascinating story of Sir William Alexander and the almost-forgotten origins of the province of Nova Scotia. Alexander conceived and named New Scotland (which became "Nova Scotia" in the more fashionable Latin) as a counterpart to New England.

In 1629, a group of Scottish settlers led by Alexander's son built a settlement, Charlesfort, at the site of present-day Annapolis Royal, where they found a land that yielded good crops. Historians found little in the written record about Charlesfort, and there was even uncertainty about its location. Recent discoveries have illuminated much about the settlement, and an archaeological dig at Annapolis has confirmed its exact location.

The First Nova Scotian tells the story of William Alexander and Charlesfort, offering intriguing speculations about the role Nova Scotia played in early-seventeenth century European affairs.

About this title

About the Author:

MARK FINNAN is a writer an actor. Born in Ireland, he worked in central Canada and the U.S. before settling in Nova Scotia. He was the organiser of the first-ever conference on Oak Island.

Review:

"For those of you with Scottish or British roots who have researched back to the 1500 to 1600s, you will find the book an excellent genealogical source. You'll learn of early names given to present-day towns and villages scattered along the south and southwestern shores of Nova Scotia....this information would be invaluable to those beginning to search records in London, England or Edinburgh, Scotland. A great read and the journey you'll embark on when you crack back the cover of this 169 paged paperback is one you won't forgotten. [sic" (Arleen Lively Family History News)

"Anyone interested in the particular events that imbued Nova Scotia's name, flag, coat of arms, and so forth with a Scottish character will also enjoy Mark Finnan's rendering of the tale." (Olaf Janzen Canadian Book Review Annual)

"Mark Finnan in his book, The First Nova Scotian, tells the story of Charlesport and the almost forgotten origins of Nova Scotia. The First Nova Scotian is not merely a biography, however; it also give some insight into the fascinating political events that influenced Nova Scotia's turbulent, early history... for anyone interested in this province's past, and especially history teachers, The First Nova Scotian is a must." (Alison Walton New Glasgow Evening News)

About this edition

• Publisher: Formac Publishing Company Limited
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0887804101
• ISBN 13: 9780887804106
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 169