Travels in the Shining Island: The Story of James Evans and the Invention of the Cree Syllabary Alphabet

Roger Burford Mason

Travels in the Shining Island: The Story of James Evans and the Invention of the Cree Syllabary Alphabet
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Natural Heritage Books
Country
Canada
Published
15 November 1996
Pages
96
ISBN
9781896219165

Travels in the Shining Island: The Story of James Evans and the Invention of the Cree Syllabary Alphabet

Roger Burford Mason

In 1842 at York Factory, the English-born missionary James Evans built a lightweight tin canoe that glittered and shone in the sunlight. Wherever he went, Native peoples called the canoe his Shining Island or His Island of Light. Travels in the Shining Island chronicles important events in the life of the extraordinary Methodist missionary, James Evans (1801-1846). It was Evans who created a written alphabet in native languages that remains in use to the present time. Truly the first printer/publisher in the Canadian Northwest, his story is one of incredible courage, perseverance and unwavering faith. Using clay, lead and hand-carved wood to make characters, and soot, oil and animal blood for ink, he created a unique literary tradition that has become a central part of Northern Aboriginal culture. - Queen’s Quarterly

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 4 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.