Canadian agriculture began in the East and moved westward at an irregular pace. Once started, the western wheat fields extended at a rate which had no parallel in world history. All Canadian life was affected. In a very real sense, wheat built a nation.

GRANT MACEWAN is a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College and of Iowa State College. For eighteen years he was on the faculty of the University of Saskatchewan and for six years was Dean of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba. He is a regular contributor to various farm magazines and newspapers, and the author of twelve books.

"This is in many ways an engaging book. Attractively produced with useful maps and pleasant line drawings, it is written with the verve and zest of one who loves the story he has to tell."

"In this book, the colourful history and legend of an era of the west now rapidly vanishing is gathered up ... In it a fascinating story as told by Mr. MacEwan, filled with picturesque characters of the old west and wonderful tales of their exploits."

Wilfrid Eggleston:

"There is much of a racy, first-hand flavour in this book; taken all in all, it is a rich addition to the small but growing literature of the short-grass country and the park belt which surrounds it."

V.C. Fowke:

"Mr. MacEwan provides a vivid and picturesque portrayal of the establishment of agriculture in the northern plains and of its development to the present day, and brings the early West to life in a wholly admirable fashion … As a whole the book is well designed to impart depth and personality to an important segment of western history."