Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst

An examination of Upper Canadian life at the dawn of a modern nation.

Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst explores the web of human relationships that developed in Upper Canada following the American Revolution, in the years leading up to the War of 1812, and during the conflict that raged for two years between the young United States and Britain, its former master. The book focuses on the families, homes, gardens, farms, roads, villages, towns, shops, and fabric of everyday life in this frontier society.

Upper Canada was a land in transition as First Nations, fur traders, Loyalists, entrepreneurs, merchants, farmers, and newcomers from every walk of life formed alliances and partnerships based on friendship, marriage, respect, religion, proximity, and the desire to survive and prosper. With the declaration of war in June 1812, Upper Canadians realized that not only their lives but their future peace and prosperity were threatened. They responded with perseverance, loyalty, and unexpected acts of bravery.

Dorothy Duncan has worked with organizations around the world to ensure that Canada's culinary history is recognized, researched, and recorded. Nothing More Comforting: Canada's Heritage Food was published in 2003 and was followed by Feasting and Fasting: Canada's Heritage Celebrations. Canadians at Table: Food, Fellowship, and Folklore, a Culinary History of Canada won the Cuisine Canada and University of Guelph Culinary Book Gold Award. Dorothy lives in Orillia, Ontario.