The names Cook and Quadra ring a bell for most of us, as do Bering and Vancouver, but how much do we know about the Greek-born navigator, Juan de Fuca or the Machiavelli of the maritime fur trade, John Meares? British Columbia's earliest authors and explorers are skilfully introduced, for the first time collectively, by Alan Twigg. This is a compelling account of the characters, events and intrigues that comprised British Columbia's earliest literary history prior to 1800.

Alan Twigg is the publisher and editor of BC Book World, Canada's largest-circulating publication about books. He has also been contributing editor of Quill & Quire, Canadian books columnist for the Vancouver Province, books columnist for Vancouver magazine, a contributor of profiles to the Toronto Star and the Writers Union of Canada representative on the board of directors of the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. In 2000, he was the first recipient of the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contibutions to literature and publishing.

Alan is the author of ten previous titles including For Openers: Conversations with 24 Canadian Writers, Hubert Evans: The First Ninety-Three Years, Vancouver and Its Writers, Vander Zalm: from Immigrant to Premier, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia and Cuba: 101 Top Historical Sites.

Alan Twigg's profile page

• Short-listed, B.C. Book Prize

“There is absolutely no substitute for this panorama of our shared beginnings.” —Mark Forsythe, CBC Almanac

“First Invaders is a delightful blend of coastal history and literary exploration. I got lost and found in it.” —Edith Iglauer, author of Fishing with John

“There is absolutely no substitute for this panorama of our shared beginnings.” —Mark Forsythe, CBC Almanac

“First Invaders is a fascinating literary exploration . . . the most enjoyable book on B.C. history I have read for years”—Georgia Straight

“Alan Twigg’s engrossing new book, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia, is filled with intriguing historical facts.”—Vancouver Sun

“First Invaders is a treasure trove of little-known information . . . it’s hard to imagine a more enthusiastic guide.”—Quill and Quire

“Twigg has a good sense of narrative and renders all his subjects as interesting characters each engaged in his own quest.”—Canadian Literature

“a valuable legacy of unique and often surprising factual accounts from known and obscure individuals”—LitCrits

“The range of sources documented makes First Invaders a valuable resource by any measure”—British Columbia History

“Twigg’s entrance on the stage of History is refreshing and welcome”—Papers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada

“First Invaders is a delightful blend of coastal history and literary exploration. I got lost and found in it.” —Edith Iglauer, author of Fishing with John

“fascinating reading”—Times Colonist