This book investigates the historical development, thematic characteristics, and cultural significance of Canadian science fiction and fantasy literature from 1839 to the late 20th century. David Ketterer, a scholar of speculative fiction, utilizes a comprehensive survey approach to analyze how Canadian writers navigated national identity and genre conventions. He argues that specific cultural biases and historical factors shaped the evolution of these genres in both English and French Canadian writing, ultimately proposing a canon of works that merit greater critical attention.

Scholars and critics recognize this text as a foundational resource for understanding the emergence of Canadian speculative literature on the international stage. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of Ketterer's research and his success in contextualizing Canadian authors within the broader history of the genre.