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About
A young unmarried woman's chronicle of her experiences in the social whirlwind of Confederation offers a unique view of the events, and the men, that made Canada. Canada's journey to Confederation kicked off with a bang - or rather, a circus, a Civil War (American), a small fortune's worth of champagne, and a lot of making love in the old-fashioned sense (courting, that is). Miss Confederation is a rare opportunity to look back through a woman's eyes at the men and events at the centre of this pivotal time in Canada's history. Mercy Coles, the daughter of PEI delegate George Coles, kept a diary of the social happenings and political manoeuvrings as they affected her and her desires. A unique historical document, her diary is now being published for the first time, offering a window into the events that led to Canada's creation, from a point of view that has long been neglected.
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Reviews
"Mercy Coles' diary of the social side of Canada's Confederation conferences, as analyzed by Anne McDonald, reveals a story of beaus and belles, of champagne and dancing, of politicians lobbying each other through the medium of their unmarried daughters - all as seen from the young lady's side of the quadrille. An enlightening, entertaining read."
Fred Stenson, author of the historical novels, The Trade, Lightning and The Great Karoo
"Anne McDonald's Miss Confederation, which includes Mercy Coles' diary, an intimate and timely account of her view of the Fathers of Confederation on their road to uniting the provinces, provides colour to what has previously been a dry subject. It is a lively history and well worth reading."
Sharon Johnston, author of the bestselling Matrons and Madams
"Anne McDonald's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. The pleasure of reading Miss Confederation is not just in the rich historical detail it captures, but also in following McDonald's delight in discovering Mercy Coles' diary. McDonald is not just a transcriber, she acts as an attentive and affectionate listener, recognizing the value of a young woman's lively perspective on an unfolding his
Frances Greenslade, author of Shelter