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History General

The Mysteries of Montreal

Memoirs of a Midwife by Charlotte Fuhrer

edited by Peter Ward

Publisher
UBC Press
Initial publish date
Jan 1984
Category
General
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780774843355
    Publish Date
    Nov 2011
    List Price
    $34.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780774802086
    Publish Date
    Jan 1984
    List Price
    $31.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Out of print

This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.

Description

Originally published in 1881, The Mysteries of Montreal is fully reprinted with an introduction by Peter Ward. Ward illuminates the life of Fuhrer and of midwives in Victorian Canada. He traces the role of the midwife through the ages and, placing Mrs. Fuhrer in the context of her times, discusses birth practices in a Canadian setting. As well, he examines the memoirs as a form of Canadian literature, assessing their reflections on 19th century society. As a result the book operates on more than one level. It is not only a midwife's recollections, but also an assemblage of gossip, moral tales, stories of courtship and birth practices, and even mild pornography.

About the author

Peter Ward is professor emeritus of history at the University of British Columbia and the author of several books on the social history of Canada and the history of population health.

Peter Ward's profile page