One for the books

The historian and professor emeritus in the Department of History won the top prize for non-fiction at this year's Governor General's Literary Awards.

A World We Have Lost: Saskatchewan Before 1905 was released earlier this year. It tells the history of the region that became the province of Saskatchewan in 1905. Aboriginal people played leading roles in the story, as did the land and climate.

“I’m deeply honoured by the award; still in a bit of disbelief but I like the feeling,” said Waiser.  “I’m also delighted that A World We Have Lost is getting the attention because of what it has to say about Saskatchewan before 1905 and what can be learned from our early history.”

An author, historian and retired professor specializing in western Canadian history, he has published fifteen books. His definitive Saskatchewan: A New History (2005) was named one of the best books of the year by the Globe and Mail and received the Clio Prize by the Canadian Historical Association. A frequent public speaker and media contributor, he has been awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and granted a D.Litt. Bill Waiser is based in Saskatoon.

See more at CBC Saskatoon.