CBU Press Events Blog

Doucette to read at "Authors with Glasses"

2010-05-13T07:45:00.000-03:00

The featured authors at this month's Governors Book Pub (the third Tuesday of the month at Governors Pub and Eatery) are two CBU Press writers: Wayne MacKay ( A Cast of Characters) and David Doucette ( Strong at the Broken Places and North of Smokey).

7 p.m., Governors Pub on the Esplanade,downtown Sydney.

"A Smashing Undertaking": Review

2010-03-08T10:18:00.001-04:00

A recent review in the literary journal Canadian Literature, calls MacKinnon’s book of original Gaelic poetry and English interpretations “a smashing undertaking.”

The book is “remarkable as a symbol of Canada’s renewed interest in Gaelic,” the review continues, “whether in English or Gaelic, [Famhair] Giant is a delight.”

“Overall, this is an impressive first collection.” (Canadian Literature No. 203).

Read the full review: http://www.canlit.ca/reviews.php?id=14702

CBU Press book shortlisted for Atlantic Book Award

2010-03-02T14:15:00.002-04:00

Sydney, March 2, 2010 – Finalists for the 2007 Atlantic Book Awards were announced today, and a Cape Breton University Press publication is among them

Sydney artist Marie Moore has been shortlisted for the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Illustration for her artwork in the book Cape Breton Wonders, published by CBU Press.

Cape Breton Wonders is a children’s book for all ages by Shirley Everett, Chris Augusta Scott and Ms. Moore. The book consists of a series of Cape Breton curiosities all prefaced by the question: Did you ever wonder why?

“Did you ever wonder why... your mother re-washed the wash?” “Did you ever wonder why... the lighthouse lights, or why the miners risked their lives?” Educators Everett and Scott wondered and by teaming up with Marie Moore, they authored a charming little piece of Cape Breton for young and old alike.

“Marie’s timeless watercolour paintings proved to be the perfect way to illustrate, and to answer, the question,” says Mike Hunter, Editor-in-Chief at CBU Press.

“Her originals and prints cover a wide variety of subjects and have been popular among Cape Bretoners and visitors alike for many years. Accordingly, the book is as much a keepsake of Cape Breton as it is a children’s book,” he said.

“We are delighted with this new recognition for her work.”

Moore’s works hang in thousands of homes and offices across the country and around the world. Her work has also been featured in book illustrations and covers, calendar and numerous exhibitions.

The Atlantic Book Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, NS. In addition, there are numerous literary events in the week prior to and following the awards, including Sydney: Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m., James McConnell Memorial Library.

Lillian Shepherd, a long-time buyer for former The Book Room in Halifax and life-long lover of books, died suddenly in 1997. Customers and authors visiting The Book Room were always put at ease by Lillian's ready smile and laughter, but her love of life shone through most clearly when she spoke of her husband Fred and their two daughters, Lynn and Cynthia. In 2002, Lillian’s legion of friends and colleagues from Halifax, Lunenburg and Bermuda created the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award to applaud the book that combines Lillian’s love for illustrated children’s books and her affinity for locally produced work.

=30=

Cape Breton Wonders www.cbu.ca/press/bookp.asp?book=978-1-897009-31-4

D.C.Troicuk appearance at Goevrnors Book Pub

2010-02-20T12:54:00.003-04:00

Sydney's new literary venue — Governors Book Pub, third Tuesday of evey month — is a big hit and Loose Pearls author Donna Troicuk's reading on Feb. 16 was a big hit. "Tuesday" is one of thirteen stories in the collection.

CBC’s Shelagh Rogers to air interview with CB author

2010-02-20T12:27:00.002-04:00

CBC’s Shelagh Rogers to air interview with CB author

An interview with one of Cape Breton’s best-loved writers will be featured on CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter on the program’s two weekly airings February 22 and 27.

CBC personality Shelagh Rogers recorded the interview with Inverness native Frank Macdonald last fall.

Author of A Forest for Calum (CBU Press, 2005), Macdonald was the longtime editor and publisher of the award-winning Inverness Oran weekly newspaper, until his retirement in 2009.

Macdonald continues to write a column for the paper, but now devotes his time to writing, including a book for young readers forthcoming from Cape Breton University Press in June 2010.

A Forest for Calum was long listed for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, the largest and most international prize of its kind, as well as the Dartmouth Book Award.

Identified as “a Canadian classic” by Globe and Mail reviewer, and “jaw-droppingly beautiful” by another, Macdonald’s world-class novel continues to move readers around the world.

The Next Chapter airs Mondays 1-2 p.m. and Saturdays 4-5 p.m. on CBC Radio One. You can also access a podcast of the program at: http://www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter/podcast.html

Authors to lecture at Butler U

2010-02-03T13:26:00.000-04:00

Terry Gibbs and Garry Leech, authors of The Failure of Global Capitalism from Cape Breton to Colombia and Beyond (CBU Press, 2009) have been invited to give the 2010 Brahos Lecture at Butler University in Indianapolis on April 12, where their book is being used for a course.

Faculty and students from disciplines such as political science, journalism, history, sociology and anthropology and courses on social movements, gender, race, class and peace are aware of the work of Gibbs and Leech and are expected to take part in dialogues around the book.

Another book by Prof. Leech, Beyond Bogatá: Diary of a Drug War Journalist in Colombia (Beacon, 2009) is also being used at Butler.

Cape Breton Bound Presents...

2010-01-08T10:17:00.003-04:00

CBU Press is pleased to be involved with the fledgling organization Cape Breton Bound Presents. The group's first endeavour is a monthly literary event at Governors Pub in downtown Sydney .

Governors Book Pub will take place on the third Tuesday of each month beginning January 19. That night, guest emcee Wendy Martin of CBC Cape Breton will host: Dan Doucet (Rory's Rooster and Parables of Big Pond) and Susan Farrell (Basement Suite). PLUS, each month will feature an open stage segment where ANYbody can get up and read! Sounds like a lot of fun.

See you at Governor's Pub (upstairs, 233 Esplanade) January 19 and maybe every month. The Feb. 19 roster will include D.C. Troicuk and Susan Zettell.

Gaelic poet invited to read at StAnza

2009-12-02T13:07:00.001-04:00

Gaelic poet Lodaidh MacFhionghain / Lewis MacKinnon has been invited to read at StAnza 2010 ( 17-21 March, 2010) in St Andrews, Scotland.

The only regular festival dedicated to poetry in Scotland, StAnza is international in outlook. Founded in 1998, it is held each March in St Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town. The festival is an opportunity to engage with a wide variety of poetry, to hear world class poets reading in exciting and atmospheric venues, to experience a range of performances where music, film, dance and poetry work in harmony, to view exhibitions linking poetry with visual art and to discover the part poetry has played in the lives of a diverse range of writers, musicians and media personalities. The simple intention of StAnza is to celebrate poetry in all its many forms.

Have a look: http://www.stanzapoetry.org/index.php

Boston University prof. says Reading the Qur'an in English "Recommended"

2009-11-26T14:56:00.001-04:00

Recommended.

“…useful insights … for all whose access is limited to the Qur’an in translation but who wish to acquire a fuller understanding….”

Merlin Swartz
Professor Emeritus of Religion (Islamic Studies), Boston University

Reviewer says book “of immense benefit"

2009-11-26T14:45:00.002-04:00

2009. Islam and Muslim-Christian Relations 20(4): 478-80.

“…innovative and stimulating […] well-written and pleasingly presented…”

Campbell provides “an admirable pedagogical structure that will be of great benefit to the serious student—and a useful refresher to scholars.”

Reading the Qur’an in English is “of immense benefit to all teachers of Islam to English-speaking students […] always clear and succinct and so readily comprehensible [,] a unique resource.”

Douglas Pratt, University of Waikato, New Zealand

Check out the latest review of Basement Suite

2009-11-16T06:31:00.002-04:00

Check out the latest review of Susan Farrell's Basement Suite in the Nova Scotian November 15. http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Books/1152896.html

CFUW chapter invites Dr. Campbell to speak

2009-11-10T10:28:00.003-04:00

The Oakville chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, will have as its guest speaker Dr. Robert Campbell, who will be speaking about his book Reading the Qur'an in English, on MONDAY, November 16 at 7 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Hall, 2245 Speers Road in Oakville, ON.

Eastlink to broadcast lecture

2009-11-10T10:27:00.001-04:00

Eastlink television's Podium TV (weekly onThursdays at 9 p.m.) will broadcast Dr. Campbell's recent lecture on November 19 and 26.

Public presentation on reading the Qur'an

2009-10-26T09:08:00.002-03:00

In a two-part talk, Dr. Campbell will give an overview of the Qur'an, its history and relevance to Islam - one of the great Abrahamic religions. Then he will provide guidance to experiencing the Qur'an on its own terms.

This public presentation is Wednesday, October 28, 7-9 p.m. and McConnell Memorial Library in Downtown Sydney.

Basement Suite Launch Party October 7

2009-09-29T10:59:00.003-03:00

Join author Susan Farrell to celebrate the release of her first novel: Basement Suite.

Wednesday, October 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Governor's Pub, 233 Esplanade, Sydney.

Garry Leech keynote speaker to Council of Canadians

2009-09-29T10:53:00.002-03:00

Garry Leech, co-author of The Failure of Global Capitalism from Cape Breton to Colombia and Beyond, will be a keynote speaker at the Council of Canadians annual general meeting October 23 in Saint John New Brunswick. The theme for this year's convention is "Turning the tide: A just economy for people and the planet.

Garry joins CoC nationa chair Maude Barlow and John Cavanagh, Director of the Institute for Public Policy Studies in Washington, DC.

Introduction to the Qur'an, Public talk Oct. 28 in Sydney

2009-09-11T14:38:00.000-03:00

Robert Campbell, author of Reading the Qur'an inEnglish is scheduled to give a public talk at the McConnell Memorial Library on October 28, 7-9 p.m. Prof. Campbell's talk will be an introduction to the Qur'an, Islam's most important text, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of an English translation.

Sponsored by Cape Breton Regional Library. Admission is free.

"Sobering stuff" writes reviewer

2009-06-16T13:35:00.002-03:00

A reviewer for the Halifax Chronicle Herald notes that Gibbs & Leech's book is filled with "sobering stuff." "...this isn’t another bestselling thriller but you should read it anyway. It might just knock you off your complacent 'everything is OK' butt." Read the whole review at: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Books/1123664.html

Weather subject of monthly CBC phone-in

2009-06-16T13:25:00.001-03:00

CB Weather Watching author Bill Danielson is in the CBC Cape Breton studios on the third Monday of every month for an hour-long phone-in. Be listening to Information Morning as host Steve Sutherland and Bill take your calls and questions about the weather.

Human rights in Colombia subject of talk at OPSEU

2009-05-07T16:16:00.000-03:00

Author and journalist Garry Leech will make a presentation to the Ontario Public Service union May 7, on the subject of the current human rights situation inColombia. The talk takes place at OPSEU offices on Wellsley Street in Toronto. Garry talk is sponsired by: Canadian Council for International Cooperation, Inter Pares, Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC), KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, Latin American Human Rights Education and Research Network (RedLEIDH), and Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

CBU profs focus on the failure of capitalism

2009-04-01T16:07:00.000-03:00

CBU profs focus on the failure of capitalism
McConnell library hosting presentation

Thursday March 27, Sydney - The financial crisis that emerged in the United States last year has not only escalated into a full-fledged economic crisis for that country.

While Cape Breton's industrial past may not seem connected to the global meltdown of financial markets, for more than a century, the Island’s economy has been intrinsically linked to a global economy that is a product of the process of industrial capitalism and globalization.

Cape Breton University political science professors Terry Gibbs and Garry Leech, have been studying how the global capitalist system has indeed had an impact here. The authors of The Failure of Global Capitalism: From Cape Breton to Colombia and Beyond (new from CBU Press), professors Gibbs and Leech are giving a talk on the subject at the McConnell library on Thursday, April 2.

"Neoliberal globalization, centred around North American and European influences on global economic systems, exploits the natural resources and labour of societies at the periphery," says Garry Leech, "and then moves on."

The reality is that under the dominant free trade ideology, people throughout the world suffer, particularly with regard to socio-economic and environmental issues, he said.

Terry Gibbs and Garry Leech's book, The Failure of Global Capitalism, as the title suggests, examines how that exploitation has affected the industrial economies of Cape Breton and Colombia.

Their talk on Thursday will look at how the instability and insecurity inherent in the global capitalist system has impacted Cape Breton and how we can learn from alternative models challenging dominant free trade ideologies by focusing on democratic participation, economic self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.

The talk begins at 7 p.m. at the McConnell Library, 50 Falmouth Street, Sydney. For more in formation, call 902.562.3279.

Terry Gibbs is an assistant professor of Political Science and director of the Centre for International Studies at Cape Breton University. She specializes in issues related to democracy and globalization. Gibbs is a contributor to the book New Perspectives on Globalization and Antiglobalization: Prospects for a New World Order (Ashgate Publishing, 2008) and her articles have been published in various journals.

Garry Leech is a lecturer in Political Science at CBUand an independent journalist. He is the author of several books, including Beyond Bogotá: Diary of a Drug War Journalist in Colombia and Crude Interventions: The United States, Oil and the New World (Dis)Order. He is also the co-author of The People Behind Colombian Coal: Mining, Multinationals and Human Rights.

CB author to tour NS, NB

2009-04-01T16:01:00.001-03:00

Cape Breton writer Susan Young de Biagi, whose novel Cibou is shortlisted for two Atlantic Book Awards is scheduled to take part in several literary events in connection with the awards next week.

The awards, to be presented in Dartmouth next Wednesday evening (April 15th), will recognize the best books published in Atlantic Canada last year.

Cibou, published by Cape Breton University Press, is shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award for fiction, as well as the Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing.

Ms. Biagi will appear along with a few other well-known award nominees, at venues and times listed below.

Cibou (pronounced see-boo) is the story of a young Mi’kmaw woman, the interactions between her community and the ways in which early Europeans influenced their lives.

Cibou is the name of a fictitious Mi’kmaw community on Cape Breton. The novel has been adopted as part of the Nova Scotia Dept. of Education’s Learning Resource for Literary Success program in provincial schools, selected for the Aboriginal Books for schools catalogue and is currently under review as a possible learning resource in BC classrooms.

April 15 - noon: Halifax Public Library Spring Garden Road - Readings and Q&A with Susan Young de Biagi, Douglas Arthur Brown and Anne Simpson
April 15 - 7 pm: Alderney Landing Theatre - Atlantic Book Awards Celebration
April 16 - 7 pm: Halifax Public Library Alderney Gate - An evening of Readings, with Susan Young de Biagi, Catherine Banks and Douglas Arthur Brown
April 17 - 7 pm: Mount Allison University, hosted by Tidewater Books - An evening of Readings, Q&A, signings, with Susan Young de Biagi, Mark Blagrave, Ian Colford and Donna Morrissey.
April 18 - 2 pm: Moncton Chapters - Closing retail celebration of the 2009 Atlantic Book Awards, with Susan Young de Biagi, Ian Colford, Donna Morrissey, William Naftel and Susan Tooke.

Cibou author to tour Maritimes

2009-03-07T12:21:00.002-04:00

Susan Young de Biagi will be in the region during Atlantic Book Awards week, giving readings at a number of venues to be announced. Her first novel Cibou is shortlisted for both the Dartmouth Book Award for fiction and the Atlantic Book award for Historical Writing.

Garry Leech interviews

2009-03-07T12:15:00.004-04:00

Garry Leech, co-author with Terry Gibbs of The Failure of Global Capitalism: From Cape Breton to Colombia and Beyond, will give a talk on his other new book Beyond Bogota: Diary of a Drug War Journalist in Colombia (Beacon Press) at CBU on March 12 (CE-265, 12 noon).

Segments of Garry's interview with CBC Cape Breton Information Morning host Steve Sutherland, will air March 9-11.

Terry Gibbs and Garry Leech will give a talk at the McConnell library on Thursday, April 2, entitled, "Cape Breton and the Global Economic Crisis."

"The financial crisis that emerged in the United States last year has not only escalated into a full-fledged economic crisis for that country, but also for Canada and every other nation in the world. Over the past 25 years, Cape Breton’s economy has become intrinsically linked to a global economy that is a product of the process of globalization. This talk will look at how the instability and insecurity inherent in the global capitalist system has impacted Cape Breton and how we can learn from alternative models that are emerging to challenge the dominant free trade ideology by focusing on greater democratic participation, economic self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability."

Shortlisted authors appearing in Sydney

2009-03-06T10:04:00.002-04:00

A literary evening, part of the Atlantic Book Awards week, is scheduled for Sydney on Tuesday, April 14 at McConnell Library, and hosted by CBC journalist Wendy Martin.

An exciting lineup is headlined by award-winning, Newfoundland-born, Donna Morrisey. Her latest book What They Wanted (Penguin) is shortlisted for the Atlantic Independent Booksellers' Choice Award.

Cape Breton's Douglas Arthur Brown, whose 2008 novel Quintet (Key Porter) is shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award for Fiction, will also appear alongside Robert Morgan, Susan M. Farrell and Dave Wilson.

Morgan's book Rise Again! (Breton Books) is shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award for Non-fiction and the Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing. Dave Wilson's book about his years as host of Talkback is coming soon from Breton Books.

Susan Farrell's first novel Basement Suite (working title) will be published in the fall of 2009 by CBU Press.

The ABA Sydney event is co-sponsored by CBU Press, Breton Books, Cape Breton Regional Library and the Atlantic Book Awards Society.

Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m.
McConnell Memorial Library
50 Falmouth Street, Sydney

Congratulations Susan Young de Biagi!

2009-03-04T14:51:00.002-04:00

Cape Breton novelists shortlisted for literary awards Sydney, NS – Two of three novelists shortlisted for this year’s Dartmouth Book Award for fiction are Cape Bretoners - again. And CBU Press continues to make the award’s shortlist.

Cibou, a historical novel by Susan Young de Biagi, a native of South Bar now living in British Columbia, is published by Cape Breton University Press. Quintet by Douglas Arthur Brown, Kempt Head, is published by Key Porter Books.

Cibou is set in 17th-century Cape Breton and is a fictional account of a young Mi’kmaw woman and her experiences with two of Cape Breton’s most colourful historical figures: Jesuit missionary Antoine Daniel (St. Anthony Daniel) and his brother Charles Daniel.

The novel is also shortlisted for an Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing.

Readers and reviewers have called Cibou “a rich treasure,” says CBU Press Editor-in-Chief, Mike Hunter.

"It’s a marvelous tale about an earlier and seldom considered time in our history. It's fiction, but as good as fiction should be, it's completely believable, and told in a strong, lyrical and sensitive voice,” he said, quoting reviews.

Douglas Arthur Brown’s Quintet, an innovative novel released in February 2008, has also been met with critical acclaim. Mr. Brown’s previous books included a collection of short fiction published by CBU Press.

Last year, all three books shortlisted for the Dartmouth book award were by Cape Breton authors, including North of Smokey by David Doucette (CBU Press). It was won by Beatrice MacNeil for her novel Where White Horses Gallop. Frank Macdonald’s beloved novel A Forest for Calum (also CBU Press) was shortlisted for the same prize in 2007.

The Atlantic Book Awards ceremony will take place on April 15th at the Alderney Landing Theatre, Dartmouth.

Feature interview with Frank Macdonald

2009-01-22T11:39:00.005-04:00

Frank Macdonald, author of the acclaimed novel A Forest for Calum, will appear on CBC Halifax's Nunn on One, at midnight, January 22-23 on CBC TV in Nova Scotia http://www.cbc.ca/programguide/program/nunn_on_one

Readers continue to share their thoughts

2009-01-19T07:29:00.002-04:00

In an email to author Stewart Donovan, a reader of The Forgotten World of R.J. MacSween: a life recently commented:

"...The conclusionary writings you so skillfully linked with this man's poetic words left tears in [my] eyes and a deeply disturbed soul...."

Your last words "there was no sign of the man we'd known"... and [MacSween's] at the conclusion of "Learning," ("in the primary school of our last days"), hit this 73-year old as a spear to my heart and soul! You, Stewart Donovan, have made far more contribution to your readers than you could realize ... much in the manner of the man you wrote about."

"...feelings of joy that finally the Good Father was receiving his long over due---due!!"

D.C.

Check out a recent review of Susan Young de Biagi's Cibou.

John Johnston to speak at SUNY

2009-01-14T07:10:00.001-04:00

Historian John Johnston will give a talk on Endgame 1758, at State University of New York, Plattsburgh on Feb. 3. During that visit to SUNY, John will also give a talk on Mathieu Da Costa (Feb. 2).

Broadcast excerpts of Cibou now on-line

2008-10-27T06:32:00.002-03:00

Cape Breton born Susan Young de Biagi came home to Sydney to launch her novel in early October. Cibou has been enthusiastically received by audiences coast to coast. In her (now) home town of Powell River, BC, a launch is planned for November 14.

You can listen to excerpts from Cibou that were broadcast by CBC Sydney the week of the launch. Read by Stephanie Johnson, of Chapel Island, the excerpts can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/mainstreetcb/ by scrolling down to Oct. 6, 2008. There you will find four readings and an interview with Susan.

Pictured to the right are Susan and Stephanie at the book launch.

Gaelic poet in final days of Scotand tour

2008-10-27T06:07:00.006-03:00

Famhair author Lewis MacKinnon and publisher Mike Hunter are in the final days of their book tour in Scotland. The book was launched at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk, then entertained audiences in Aberdeen, Stornoway, Sleat (Isle of Skye) and Fort William. Oct. 27 they are in Edinburgh, the 28th in Glasgow and then Lewis continues on to Ireland for a few days.

Above is a picture from the reading in Skye. We were very pleased to meet Mabou Ridge student Tara Rankin, who is studying at Sabhal Mor Ostaig.

The tour, entitled (in English) "The way we say it in Nova Scotia" is sponsored in part by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, as well as the Centre for Cape Breton Studies at CBU.

New picture book features art by Marie Moore

2008-10-18T06:25:00.002-03:00

Join us November 6 (4-6 p.m. at the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club) as we launch our latest book: Cape Breton Wonders: Featuring Art by Marie Moore.

Did you ever wonder why...
your mother re-washed the wash?

Did you ever wonder why...
the lighthouse lights, or
why the miners risked their lives?

Educators Shirley Everett and Chris Augusta Scott have wondered why and the result is this charming little piece of Cape Breton for young and old alike. Marie Moore’s paintings, including two new ones, are the perfect way to illustrate, and to answer, the question:

"Did you ever wonder why?"

Gaelic poetry launched in Scotland

2008-10-18T06:22:00.001-03:00

Falkirk - Following a launch at lomall a' Mhòid today in Falkirk, Lodaidh MacFhionghain, Lewis MacKinnon, embarks on visits and readings at Aberdeen, Stornoway, Sleat, Fort William, Glasgow and Edinburgh (see details below).

Famhair agus dàin Ghàidhlig eile (Giant and other Gaelic poems), is the first book of its kind in Nova Scotia: the first collection of contemporary poems by a single author in the local Gaelic. MacKinnon's poems address a variety of contemporary perspectives—language, culture, politics and matters of the heart.

The book is central to a number of titles being promoted by Cape Breton University Press in Scotland during the next few weeks. The promotion is called "The way we say it in Nova Scotia," a reference to language and music traditions once of Scots origins, but with Nova Scotia's unique flavour.

The tour is sponsored in part by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, through its industry development program, the Centre for Cape Breton Studies at Cape Breton University and by publisher Cape Breton University Press.

Aberdeen, Monday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m., New King's Hall, Room 10
Sponsored by the University of Aberdeen

Stornoway, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m., An Lanntair, Kenneth St., Stornoway
and Wednesday, Oct. 22, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis - Ness Historical Society
Sponsored by Lews Castle College UHI

Sleat, Isle of Skye, Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Seòmar Cruinneachaidh, Arainn Ostaig
Sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI

Fort William, Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m., Fort William Library
With the assistance of Highland Council

Edinburgh, Monday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m., Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Old Town
Sponsored by University of Edinburgh

Glasgow, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m., 16 University Gardens, Room 5.
Sponsored by University of Glasgow

John Johnston to speak Oct. 9 in Wolfville

2008-10-01T09:32:00.000-03:00

John Johnston will be giving a public lecture in Wolfville at Acadia University on Oct. 9th, at 7:00 PM, in the Beveridge Arts Centre, BAC Room 236.

TOPIC OF THE LECTURE: "Louisbourg: The Last Decade."

This will be an illustrated hour-long talk on the dramatic and far-reachingevents at Louisbourg during its final decade, focussing on the siege of1758. The emphasis will be on how the collision of two European empires inAtlantic Canada played out during the Seven Years War and what long-lasting impacts that struggle was to have.

CBUP announces launch of latest novel

2008-09-15T11:09:00.000-03:00

Susan Young de Biagi will launch her debut novel in late September.

Check www.cbupress.ca for updates.

Sun. Sept. 28 ~ 3:30 p.m.
The Word on the Street

Mon. Sept. 29 to Thu. Oct. 2, be sure to be listening to CBC Cape Breton's Mainstreet, 4 to 6 p.m., for broadcast excerpts from Cibou.

Mon. Sept. 29 Chapters Halifax, 7-9 p.m.Tue. Sept. 30 Coles Hfx Shopping Centre, 7-9 p.m.
Thu. Oct. 2 4-6 p.m. official book launch
St. Patrick’s Church Museum, 87 Esplanade, Sydney
Fri. Oct. 3 Coles Sydney Shopping Centre, 3-5 p.m.
Coles Mayflower Mall, 7-9 p.m.

Check www.cbupress.ca for updates.

Recent review of Endgame 1758

2008-09-15T07:16:00.001-03:00

Journal of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, Volume 11 (2008), pp. 202-204. In a book review by Julian Gwyn, now retired but formerly a professor of history at the University of Ottawa:

P. 203: "The author, already well-established as a published expert on Louisbourgunder French rule, has produced the best account yet of the fortress's last decade 1749-58."
[...]
"Johnston's detailed study of events in Louisbourg from the time of its recovery by a French garrison in the summer of 1749 to the departure of French prisoners of war nine years later is to be greatly welcomed. This aspect of Louisbourg's history is unlikely to be improved until newdocuments are located."

Johnston making presentations

2008-09-15T07:07:00.002-03:00

Award-winning Endgame 1758 author John Johnston will be making presentations on his book and, more broadly, on Louisbourg, as commemorations of the final seige of 1758 continue:

Sept. 16, 7:30 pm, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax.
Sept. 27, 9:30 am, Louisbourg Symposium 2008, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site,
Sept. 28, 12 noon, The Word on the Street, Cunard Event Center, Halifax.
Oct. 9, time tba (evening), AcadiaUniversity, Wolfville.

Book on Highland bagpipe released

2008-07-30T08:51:00.003-03:00

Dance to the Piper: THe Highland Bagpipe in Nova Scotia, by Barry W. Shears is now in print.

Barry's much-awaited history of traditional piping in our part of the wide world of Scots bagpiping is on its way to stores.

For more information about the book, check out: http://www.cbupress.ca/

Public presentation on Louisbourg at McConnell

2008-07-16T09:53:00.004-03:00

July 22-27 is a big week for Fortress Louisbourg National Historic site, including an encampment weekend (25-26).

On Thursday evening, John johnston will be giving a public talk at the McConnell Memirial Library (Falmouth Street, Sydney) at 7 p.m.

Come out and hear one of the world's leading authorities on Louisbourg. It's free!

Endgame on BT

2008-06-11T15:38:00.001-03:00

Be sure to be watching CTV's Breakfast Television on Wednesday, June 18 (approx. 7:40 a.m.), when John Johnston will be interviewed about his book Endgame and the 250th anniversary of the final seige.

Louisbourg anniversary subject of article in "The Trident"

2008-06-10T08:08:00.002-03:00

John Johnston's expertise on the subject of Louisbourg and this the 250th anniversary of the final siege of the Fortress are the subject of an article in the The Trident (Vol. 42, No. 10), the magazine of Canada's armed forces.
http://www.tridentnews.ca/default.asp?ID=3766

For more information on the 250th anniversary celebrations in Louisbourg, NS, goto: http://www.louisbourg2008.com/

Louisbourg book wins history award

2008-06-06T07:49:00.001-03:00

Sydney, NS, June 4, 2008 – Historian A.J.B. (John) Johnston was awarded the Canadian Historical Association's Clio Award for regional history during its annual congress last week.
His latest book, Endgame 1758: The Promise, the Glory and the Despair of Louisbourg's Last Decade (Cape Breton University and University of Nebraska Press) is cited by the CHA as a meritorious publication.

Louisbourg figured prominently in the military, economic and strategic thinking of France and England and peaked during Louisbourg’s last decade, one of the greatest dramas in the history of the continent. The final siege on the French capital, in 1758, brought to a close a century-and-a-half of Anglo-French struggle for dominance.

The 250th anniversary of the final siege will be commemorated through many activities throughout the summer and fall, including community events, a symposium and an encampment weekend (July 25-27), involving more than one thousand history re-enactors from across Canada and the U.S.

Johnston, a long-time historian at Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site and now working from the Atlantic region offices of Parks Canada in Halifax, is a recognized authority on Louisbourg, Cape Breton, Acadia and Nova Scotia and has published many books and articles on those subjects.

Founded in 1922, the Canadian Historical Association/Société Historique du Canada is a bilingual scholarly organization dedicated to research in all fields of history. As the leading scholarly organization of historians in Canada, the Canadian Historical Association assumes an advocacy role regarding issues of concern to its members and other practitioners interested in advancing the discipline of history in Canada.

Johnston to speak at Halifax Public Library today

2008-05-30T09:58:00.001-03:00

John Johnston, author of Endgame 1758 will be giving a lunch-time talk at the Halifax Public Library (Spring Garden Road) May 30.

A Forest for Calum still charming audiences

2008-05-29T08:34:00.001-03:00

Frank Macdonald will be giving a talk to Alexander MacLeod's Atlantic Literature course at Saint Mary's University on June 3.

On May 27, the regular book panel of CBC Radio One's Mainstreet (Halifax), met with guest host Stephanie Domet to discuss A Forest for Calum. The panel recalled the Globe and Mail review of 2005, which suggested that "if there is any justice ... A Forest for Calum would be a Canadian classic."

Panelists were 100 per cent in agreement that, on all aspects of the book, it deserved such a billing.

Fans might recall that critic Ron Foley MacDonald said A Forest for Calum had one of the most "jaw-droppingly beautiful" literary devices in English-language literature.

Cover story

2008-05-23T15:00:00.002-03:00

An article and interview by John Johnston is the cover story of The Beaver: Canada's History Magazine (June/July 2008). http://www.historysociety.ca/bea.asp

Endgame 1758 subject of R-C interview

2008-05-23T12:12:00.003-03:00

John Johnston, author of Endgame 1758 was interviewed live on Radio Canada, on May 22.

Teresa MacIsaac reads at Margaree library

2008-05-15T09:39:00.003-03:00

The Drs. Coady-Tompkins Memorial Library in Margaree Forks hosted Antigonish author and educator, Teresa MacIsaac on Monday, May 12. Ms. MacIsaac read exerpts from her recently published book, "A Better Life: Highland Women in Nova Scotia" and used several anecdotes taken from oral and written accounts to entertain the audience. The Library will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 24.

Caption: Author Teresa MacIsaac, centre, is flanked by Rita O'Keefe(left)and Hilda McDaniel who were on hand for MacIsaac's presentation and woncopies of her books, thanks to Cape Breton University Press.

Endgame subject of forthcoming interview on R-C

2008-05-09T14:11:00.001-03:00

Endgame 1758 author John Johnston is scheduled to be interviewed on Radio Canada on May 22.

Stewart Donovan at Atlantic Book Festival

2008-05-05T09:41:00.000-03:00

Stewart Donovan joins other shortlisted authors for the Gala Bookfest Reading at Fred (2606 Agricola St., Halifax). David Adams Richards, Stephanie Domet, Steven Laffoley and Stewart Donovan - moderated by Sue Goyette. 7 p.m. COST: $5.00 at the door.

We welcome comments/reviews

2008-04-25T14:58:00.000-03:00

Readers are invited to blog their comments or reviews of our books collectively or individually.

Book festival event May 8 in Sydney

2008-04-25T10:38:00.003-03:00

Atlantic Book Festival came to McConnell Memorial Library, Falmouth St., Sydney, on May 8, when an appreciative crowd enjoyde readings by Marq de Villers (author of Witch in the Wind: The True Story of the Legendary Bluenose), Beatrice MacNeil (Where White Horses Gallop) and Susan Zettell (Checkout Girl, forthcoming) and a special tribute to Rita Joe (1932-2007).

Sponsored by The Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Regional Library, Breton Books and CBU Press.

Thanks to McConnell library for the photos.

Three books shortlisted for four literary prizes

2008-04-24T13:54:00.000-03:00

Wow! CBU Press is publisher of books shortlisted for four of thirty shortlisted titles for the Atlantic Book Awards May 12 in Dartmouth.

Dartmouth Book Award for Fiction:

North of Smokey by David Doucette

Dartmouth Book Award for Non-fiction:

Endgame 1758: The Promise, the Glory, and the Despair of Louisbourg's Last Decade

and The Forgotten World of R.J. MacSween: a life

Evelyn Richardson Prize for Non-fiction:

The Forgotten World of R.J. MacSween: a life

Congratulations to our authors - and good luck!