THE LAND OF OPEN DOORS; Being Letters From Western Canada.
London: Wells, Gardner, Darton & Co. Ltd., 3 & 4, Paternoster Buildings, E.C., and 44, Victoria Street, S.W., 1914. First Edition (& 1st printing). Octavo, original red cloth, gilt lettering on spine and front panel, publisher's device in blind on rear panel, top edges gilt. Pp [i]-[iv], v-xix, [xx], xxi, [xxii], xxiii-xxiv, [1], 2-265, [266-267: last two pages ads], [1-8: publisher's catalogue]. Frontispiece with tissue guard, 24 additional black & white plates, folding map of 'The District of the Edmonton Mission" at rear (Edmonton to Tete Juane Cache). Some crumpling to one plate (binding issue, not abuse); small bump to top edge of rear panel, minor stains. A very good copy. Item #313460
¶ Bickersteth joined the Anglican mission in Edmonton a year after its establishment in 1910. As a lay missionary he travelled in the country northwest of Edmonton for two years, during the first year among homesteaders, and in the second among railroad builders. In his letters to friends and relatives in England he described the land he found so captivating and life in the raw as he witnessed it day by day. He wrote of some discomfort, of occasional hardships, but most certainly of absorbing interest and unique opportunity. On his return to England in 1913 he was encouraged to publish his letter by Lord Grey, who has written the foreword to this book.
Price (CAD): $65.00