Have you ever wondered about the impact of rum on Canadian history? This question is explored in Allan Greer’s new non-fiction book, Canada in the Age of Rum, where he delves into the often overlooked but significant role rum played in pre-Confederation Canada.

Greer, a professor emeritus at McGill University, examines rum’s journey from the fishery in Newfoundland during the 1670s to its influence on the fur trade in Western Canada by the 1830s. He discusses how the early colonies were “awash in a sea of rum” and highlights its role in commerce, politics, and social structures.

One of the most compelling aspects of Greer’s analysis is the complex relationship among the fur trade, Indigenous communities, and companies like the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. He emphasizes the ceremonial significance of rum in trade protocols between Indigenous leaders and company representatives.

While Greer acknowledges the business aspects of rum, he does not shy away from addressing its detrimental effects, from those in Newfoundland’s fishing ports to the fur traders in Upper Canada and beyond. He argues that the recognition of rum’s harmful impacts contributed to its decline by the 1830s.

Greer supports his narrative with charts and graphs illustrating rum’s usage and consumption, but it is his storytelling style—evoking parallels to Ken Burns—that truly engages readers. His writing style introduces a “mystery” element regarding how rum lost its powerful status over time, piquing curiosity and encouraging readers to delve deeper into the narrative.

Canada in the Age of Rum serves as an engaging summer read, offering insights that will change how one views the rum section of their local Liquor Mart.

For those interested in exploring this topic further, the book is available for purchase at major retailers.