Surveying the Canadian Pacific: Memoir of a Railroad Pioneer (UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PUBLICATIONS IN THE AMERICAN WEST)

Name: Surveying the Canadian Pacific: Memoir of a Railroad Pioneer (UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PUBLICATIONS IN THE AMERICAN WEST)
Price: 14.93 USD
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4.7 of 5 Stars: Canada - Surveying the Canadian Pacific: Memoir of a Railroad Pioneer (UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PUBLICATIONS IN THE AMERICAN WEST)

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Book Synopsis: In 1871 R.M. Rylatt, a former sergeant of His Majesty's Royal Engineers, embarked on a new career as an agent of the Canadian Pacific Railroad Survey, searching for a route that would join British Columbia to the rest of Canada. He kept notes of his two years of expeditionary work, which he later revised and expanded, adding numerous colour sketches and line drawings. These memoirs were compiled in a handsome leatherbound journal, which remained in the family for more than a hundred years before being discovered and subsequently published by the University of Utah Press in 1991. Rylatt's journal provides a valuable first-hand account of the race to mount a transcontinental railway across largely unmapped territory. It is also a great adventure story, full of the trials and tribulations that were so much a part of the everyday existence. In one dramatic encounter, Rylatt graphically describes using an axe to cut off three fingers of a troublemaker in camp. Especially gripping, and the most vivid pure adventure, is the last fifth of the diary describing the trip homeward in May of 1873 when, with three horses and a companion, he travels from Jasper across the Continental Divide and down the Thompson River to Kamloops. Readers will be captivated by Rylatt's jaunty but dangerous adventures told with sly humour and a canny eye for detail. The compelling text and exceptional colour illustrations give life to the efforts of one individual engaged in a grand enterprise to span a nation. As William Kittredge notes in his foreword to the book: 'Like so many of those who ventured out onto the proving ground of exploration and adventure and settlement in the nineteenth century, Rylatt seems to have been quite aware he was engaged in a great conquest. He also understood he was seeing things that would never be seen again.'

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Embark on a thrilling journey through untamed Canadian wilderness with "Surveying the Canadian Pacific: Memoir of a Railroad Pioneer," a captivating account of R.M. Rylatt's epic expedition to connect British Columbia to the rest of Canada. Discover the challenges and triumphs of this daring mission in vivid detail, brought to life with remarkable color sketches and line drawings that showcase the beauty and danger of the untamed landscape. Don't miss this riveting tale of adventure and exploration that grips readers from the very first page.

Experience the thrill of the race to build a transcontinental railway in the 19th century with Rylatt's gripping journal, filled with hair-raising accounts of perilous encounters and courageous feats. Join Rylatt as he navigates through uncharted territory, facing wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable weather in a quest to unite a nation. His firsthand narrative provides a unique insight into the spirit of exploration and the challenges of forging a path through unknown lands, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding adventures of a true pioneer with "Surveying the Canadian Pacific," a timeless tale of bravery, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Follow Rylatt's footsteps as he braves the unknown, overcomes daunting obstacles, and triumphs against all odds to achieve an extraordinary feat that changed the course of Canadian history forever. Let his story inspire you to chase your dreams, conquer your fears, and embrace the thrill of discovery in every chapter of your life.

Ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the untamed wilderness of Canada's past? Dive into the pages of "Surveying the Canadian Pacific" and experience the excitement, danger, and triumph of R.M. Rylatt's epic expedition. Join us in reliving a pivotal moment in Canadian history and be inspired by the courage and resilience of one man's quest to unite a nation. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure!

Buy now and embark on a thrilling literary adventure!

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