John Kalbfleisch Knihy

For centuries Montreal reigned as Canada’s most beguiling city. Inspired by the pages of the Gazette, Canada’s oldest daily newspaper (founded in 1778), here are seventy-five true tales to inspire, amuse, horrify and captivate. Stories include humourist Stephen Leacock’s flinty bitterness at being forced into academic retirement; a boat race through downtown Montreal in the dead of winter; a duel sparked by a society ball; and city-wide celebrations marking the end of World War II. In No Place More Suitable, author John Kalbfleisch brings into colourful focus the full range of human endeavor, genius, hilarity, poignancy and sadness from over 350 years of life on the banks of the St. Lawrence.

This account of spies, zealots, royal tourists, and people on the brink of death provides a unique and extraordinary history of Montreal. From the city’s founding nearly four centuries ago down to the present day, an astonishing range of people have trod its streets. Priests and princes, heroes and the humble, financial wizards and outright fools—all have their stories to be told.

The story explores the internal conflict of George-Étienne Cartier, a young lawyer who initially embraces armed rebellion in his quest for reform in Canada. As he navigates the complexities of political change, he ultimately rejects violence, seeking more peaceful and responsible means to achieve his goals. This journey highlights themes of political ideology, personal conviction, and the evolution of a leader's beliefs in the face of societal challenges.