The Clockmaker (Broadview Editions) - Softcover

Thomas Chandler Haliburton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155481121X ISBN 13: 9781554811212

Publisher: Broadview Press, 2014

Synopsis

The serial publication of The Clockmaker in 1835-36 launched Canadian judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton to literary fame. A broad satire with a garrulous, deceitful American clock-seller, Sam Slick, as its central character, the book was embraced by reviewers and readers internationally. Some Canadian reviewers were often less enthusiastic, however, with one calling Slick’s comical American slang “low, mean, miserable, and witless.” Almost two centuries later The Clockmaker is still central to Canadian literary history—and still highly controversial, particularly for its treatment of women and black Canadians.

Richard A. Davies provides a nuanced and illuminating discussion of the controversies about The Clockmaker from 1835 to the present, and of the complex historical and political factors that led to its mixed reception. Historical documents include other writings and speeches by Haliburton, earlier satires of Canadian and American culture, and contemporary reviews.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas Chandler Haliburton 91796-1865) WAS A Nova Scotian judge, politician and novelist, best known for his Clockmaker series of comic serials.

Richard A. Davies is Professor Emeritus of English and Theatre at Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

From the Back Cover

The serial publication of The Clockmaker in 1835-36 launched Canadian judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton to literary fame. A broad satire with a garrulous, deceitful American clock-seller, Sam Slick, as its central character, the book was embraced by reviewers and readers internationally. Some Canadian reviewers were often less enthusiastic, however, with one calling Slick's comical American slang "low, mean, miserable, and witless." Almost two centuries later The Clockmaker is still central to Canadian literary history--and still highly controversial, particularly for its treatment of women and black Canadians.

Richard A. Davies provides a nuanced and illuminating discussion of the controversies about The Clockmaker from 1835 to the present, and of the complex historical and political factors that led to its mixed reception. Historical documents include other writings and speeches by Haliburton, earlier satires of Canadian and American culture, and contemporary reviews.

Edition details

• Publisher: Broadview Press
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155481121X
• ISBN 13: 9781554811212
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312