150 years after Confederation, Canada is known around the world for its social diversity and its commitment to principles of multiculturalism. But the road to contemporary Canada is a winding one, a story of division and conflict as well as union and accommodation.In Canada's Odyssey, renowned scholar Peter H. Russell provides an expansive, accessible account of Canadian history from the pre-Confederation period to the present day. By focusing on what he calls the "e;three pillars"e; of English Canada, French Canada, and Aboriginal Canada, Russell advances an important view of our country as one founded on and informed by "e;incomplete conquests."e; It is the very incompleteness of these conquests that have made Canada what it is today, not just a multicultural society but a multinational one.Featuring the scope and vivid characterizations of an epic novel, Canada's Odyssey is a magisterial work by an astute observer of Canadian politics and history, a perfect book to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.