Crofters and Habitants: Settler Society, Economy, and Culture in a Quebec Township, 1848-1881 (Studies on the History of Quebec) [Hardcover]

J. I. Little (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies on the History of Quebec | Publication Date: December 1991

This study examines the ways in which two highly distinct social groups - Gaelic-speaking crofters from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and French-speaking habitants from south of Quebec City - adapted to a common physical environment in the rugged Appalachian plateau of south-eastern Quebec. The author focuses on settlement patterns, population expansion and mobility, family structure and inheritance, farm production and labour, the role played by local merchants and millers, and the cultural significance of religion and education. He documents the differences which can be traced to ethnic origin, but also emphasizes the many similarities which characterized the adjustment of the two groups. Economic development in this geographical area was severely restricted by thin soil, rugged topography and a brutally short growing season, coupled with the government's favouritism towards monopolistic lumber companies. Two viable communities did, nevertheless, take root, each drawing heavily on traditional cultural values and a history of economic resourcefulness in order to survive in an era of emerging industrial capitalism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[This] is comparative history at its best. Little accomplishes more than a detailed social history of two ethnic groups in a remote Quebec township. He is able to situate the study in the context of modern scholarship and the theoretical frameworks dealing with social change not only in Quebec but in North America, Britain, and, to a degree, Europe ... His conclusions are reasoned and thoughtful. [This book] will be used as a bench-mark for future studies of similar themes." Robin B. Burns, Department of History, Bishop's University. "Little uses all the state-of-the-art social history techniques. The scholarship is quite sound indeed. He is very well-read in the various fields of social history." John Willis, Historical Research/Exhibitions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: Mcgill Queens Univ Pr (December 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773508074
• ISBN-13: 978-0773508071
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,675,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.