Prophecy of the Swan covers twenty-nine years in thehistory of the Peace River valley in northeastern British Columbia. Avivid portrayal of life in some of the most isolated fur trade posts,it describes the intense competition between the North West and theHudson’s Bay companies, the individuals who were involved inexploration and commerce, and, finally, the shocking 'massacre ofSt. Johns.' It is unique in its integration of historic informationand archaeological discovery, as it combines information recovered frommany years of archaeological excavation with first-hand impressions ofday-to-day life drawn from the few existing journals kept by companyclerks.
The authors focus not on the elites and middle management, but onthe labourers and tradesmen, the wives and the children, whose liveswere affected by the fur trade. Written for both a general audienceinterested in the history of British Columbia as well as fur tradescholars who will appreciate its innovative approach, this book bringsnew knowledge and insights to the study of this period in theprovince’s history.
Prophecy of the Swan also portrays life an archaeologicalproject -- the endless hours of digging, the exacting work methods, andthe small rewards inherent in discovery, as well as the mystique andromance that surround such an evocation of history.