From the early 1800s on, we encounter the first French writers to become interested in life in Newfoundland. This anthology provides an image of Newfoundland that was shaped over many years of writings by countless French voyagers—sailors and naval officers, diplomats, scientists, journalists, artists, and other visitors—who described this region and its people for their readers back in France. This collection of their accounts attempts to capture the perception held by French visitors of Newfoundland’s transformation from colony to country, of Newfoundlanders and their lifestyle, and of the development of Newfoundland’s own political institutions and the changes brought about as France relinquished its historical rights to the English.

Scott Jamieson is an Associate Professor in the Department of French and Spanish, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Scott Jamieson's profile page

Anne Thareau is an Associate Professor and Head in the Department of French and Spanish, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Anne Thareau's profile page

Ronald Rompkey, a biographer, editor and reviewer, is University Research Professor in the Department of English at Memorial University. He has held positions in cultural organizations at both the provincial and national level, including the chairmanship of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. In 2004, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada.

Ronald Rompkey's profile page

"Rompkey’s cast of characters illustrate aspects of nineteenth-century Newfoundland society and culture that are not often available in published primary sources. In translating the collection into English, Jamieson and Thareau have ensured the results of Rompkey’s research are even more readily available."

Angela Duffett, The Canadian Historical Review

"Jamieson and Thareau are to be commended for translating into English these writings by French visitors to Newfoundland, extending from 1816 to 1907, including scientists, sailors, naval officers, journalists, doctors, artists, diplomats and geographers."

Burton K. Janes, Saltwire