The Travel Journals of Tappan Adney, Vol. 2, 1891-1896 is a great romp into the wilds of New Brunswick. Adney was an accomplished artist, journalist, photographer and ethnologist and was adept at presenting vivid portraits of what life was like in the bush and the prevalent traditions of the time. The book is laced with insight and humour.

Each tale is masterfully written putting the reader in particular moments—from braving an early snowstorm and getting hopelessly lost, to building a raft, panning for gold, or learning how to spear salmon or skin a bear. One of the book’s charms is the generous sprinkling of Adney’s photographs and sketches throughout. In the foreword, Andrea Bear Nicholas provides the historical and social context for the times. She adds, “That [Adney] was able to document with such precision so many aspects of traditional Maliseet material culture before their decline and/or disappearance has made his work especially valuable today.”

The Travel Journals of Tappan Adney Vol. 2, 1891-1896
Edited by C. Ted Behne
$22.95, paperback, 360 pp.
Goose Lane Editions, July 2014