Includes bibliographical references (pages 493-511) and index.

Part one. The founding pillars -- The incomplete conquest of New France -- The founding treaty with native peoples -- Making English-speaking Canada -- Part two. Trying to complete the conquests -- Three wars and three betrayals lead to the subjugation of His Majesty's Indian allies -- Rebellions and the plan to assimilate French Canada -- Part three. Confederation -- English Canada gets a dominion, French Canada gets a province, and Aboriginal Canada gets left out -- Part four. The three pillars to the Second World War -- The colonization of indigenous Canada -- The provincialization of French Canada -- The nationalization of English Canada -- Part five. Transformation of the pillars -- Quebec becomes constitutionally radical -- Aboriginal peoples get a hearing -- English Canada becomes multicultural -- Part six. Seeking a constitutional fix -- Patriation: Quebec's loss, Aboriginal gains -- The end of mega constitutional politics? -- The three pillars continue their odyssey.

"150 years after Confederation, Canada is known around the world for its social diversity and its commitment to principles of multiculturalism. But the road to contemporary Canada is a winding one, a story of division and conflict as well as union and accommodation. In Canada's Odyssey, renowned scholar Peter H. Russell provides an expansive, accessible account of Canadian history from the pre-Confederation period to the present day. By focusing on what he calls the "three pillars" of English Canada, French Canada, and Aboriginal Canada, Russell advances an important view of our country as one founded on and informed by "incomplete conquests." It is the very incompleteness of these conquests that have made Canada what it is today, not just a multicultural society but a multinational one. Featuring the scope and vivid characterizations of an epic novel, Canada's Odyssey is a magisterial work by an astute observer of Canadian politics and history, a perfect book to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation."--