The Great Intendant : A Chronicle of Jean Talon in Canada, 1665-1672

"The Great Intendant: A Chronicle of Jean Talon in Canada, 1665-1672" by Thomas Chapais recounts the journey of Jean Talon as he takes on the challenging role of Intendant of New France. The book focuses on Talon’s work between 1665 and 1672, telling the story of his efforts to breathe new life into the struggling French colony. The narrative opens by describing the troubles facing New France, which had been around for fifty years but was suffering from a small population, few resources, and constant threats from the Iroquois. King Louis XIV sent Talon and other leaders to save the colony. This book shows Talon's work to grow the area, defend it, and build relationships, painting a picture of a key time in Canadian history. Jean Talon's mission was ambitious, as this story shows, and his commitment to rebuilding and strengthening New France changed Canada forever.