Bark, Skin and Cedar: Exploring the Canoe in Canadian Experience

Is there anything more Canadian than a canoe? In a remarkable journey across Canada, consummate paddler and writer James Raffan explores the myths, legends and history -- not to mention his own unique experiences -- of that perfect craft.Raffan recalls Native canoe traditions: how the boat was both an essential transport along the waterways and a symbol for carrying the dead to the spirit world. He traces the role of the canoe as an early vital trade link, its evolution as a leisure craft, its importance to character-building youth camps and to paddlers seeking refuge from urban life. In today's world, Raffan examines the canoe as inspiration for artists, writers, and even advertisers -- it has become a powerful and ready-made symbol of the outdoors to sell beer, clothes and cars.Bark, Skin and Cedar is a wholly engaging exploration, offering a unique perspective on our country, our heritage and how we see ourselves.James Raffan is the author of 'Bark, Skin and Cedar: Exploring the Canoe in Canadian Experience' with ISBN 9780006386537 and ISBN 0006386539.