Scoundrels and Saloons
Whisky Wars of the Pacific Northwest 1840-1917
- Publisher
- Heritage House Publishing
- Initial publish date
- Oct 2012
- Category
- Social History, Pacific Northwest, General
- Recommended Age
- 11
- Recommended Grade
- 6
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781927051795
- Publish Date
- Oct 2012
- List Price
- $7.99
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
From the days of the fur trade, one constant thread weaves its way through the tumultuous history of frontier British Columbia, Washington and Oregon—the war over liquor. Between 1840 and 1917, the whisky wars of the west coast were fought by historical heavyweights, including Matthew Baillie Begbie (the “Hanging Judge”) and Wyatt Earp, and a contentious assortment of murderous whisky traders, angry Natives, corrupt policemen, patronage-loving politicians and trigger-happy drunks.
Liquor was a serious and life-threatening issue in 19th-century west coast settlements. In 1864 Victoria, there were at least 149 drinking establishments to serve a thirsty population of only 6,500. Despite various prohibition efforts, the trade in alcohol flourished.
Recreating British gunboat arrests, the evangelistic fervour of Billy Sunday and the tireless crusade of the Anti-Saloon League, author Rich Mole chronicles the first tempestuous and tragic struggles for and against having a drink in the Pacific Northwest.
About the author
British Columbia-born author Rich Mole has enjoyed an eclectic communications career, as a former broadcaster, a freelance journalist, and, for 20 years, the president of a successful Vancouver Island advertising agency. A lifelong fascination with history has fuelled his desire to write about the times and people of Canada's past. Rich now makes his home in Calgary, Alberta.
Librarian Reviews
Scoundrels and Saloons: Whisky Wars of the Pacific Northwest, 1840-1917
This book describes the role and influence of liquor and the liquor trade in BC. The unfolding story and the many fascinating characters involved —from the late 17th century of the fur traders to the 19th century of the colonists through to the first third of the 20th century—are dramatic and tragic. This history includes repeated economic deals between Europeans and First Nations sealed by liquor with its devastating consequences. Also presented are the battles over whisky’s production, distribution, and the control and consumption of alcohol. Government interventions over the issue as well as the increasing involvement of the anti-saloon league, temperance and prohibition movements are narrated and critiqued also.Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2013-2014.
