Empire of the Bay

This book is an epic tome with two volumes based on Peter Newman's previous books: "Company of Adventurers" and "Caesars of the Wilderness". Based on oft-quoted primary sources (journals, diaries, company records), it details the history of both the Hudson's Bay Company and the Northwest Company. It includes weird facts about the fur trade, crazy stories of adventure, detailed description of key individuals, and more. I didn't get bogged down in some of the minutiae of the Hudson's Bay Company business arrangements and stock holder meetings, but was captivated by some of the specific sections that happen to relate to Socials 10. 

-The detailed description of the beaver itself

-The meetings of "the Beaver Club" including a list of attendees

-The walking journeys of Samuel Hearne

-The Battle of Seven Oaks, including an eye-witness recollection of what was said

-The explorations of Mackenzie, Fraser, and Thompson

-The exploits of George Simpson, including his treatment of women

-The background story on John McLoughlin

etc.

This is the first book recommendation on my blog, probably because it the most often referenced in class. My copy of this book has a bunch of sticky notes and highlights for sections that I will read out in class or from where I have pulled quotes for worksheets or test questions. 

Empire of the Bay: The Company of Adventurers that Seized a Continent