Toughest School in North America
New book details iconic school from student’s perspective
Los Altos, California – ennui.press announces the immediate availability of Richard de Candole’s book about his time as a student at one of Canada’s most unique and controversial boarding schools. Toughest School in North America can be found today in print and online, exclusively through Amazon.
“It’s Lord of the Flies meets Deliverance meets Harry Potter,” said Pierre Bedard, Managing Editor at ennui.press and curator of Bedard’s Unofficial St. John’s Page, “Richard captures what it was like to be a student. As an ex-student, I felt empowered by Richard’s book, knowing that I was one of many.”
St. John’s Cathedral Boy’s School – 1962
The 1960’s saw tectonic changes in Canadian society and schools were not exempt. St. John’s Cathedral Boys’ School, located in Selkirk, Manitoba, which called itself the Toughest School in North America, was founded in the maelstrom of these changes by Ted Byfield (a journalist) and Frank Wiens (an educator)in response to what they considered a growing liberalization of society. The school was uniquely Canadian, highlighting self-sufficiency, Canadian history, canoeing, snowshoeing, and even the teaching of Canadian French (as opposed to French French). Over the years, over 5,000 students attended schools in Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta. In 2008, the last school in Alberta closed.
The Toughest School in North America brings to life the spartan hardships, dangers, and raw beauty of Canada’s wilderness through Richard’s eyes. The book vividly captures the work camp atmosphere of the school, as he and his classmates survive the day-to-day grind with Canadian grit, humour, and occasional teenage mischief.
About Richard de Candole
Richard has been working in British Columbia and Alberta as a reporter and editor for over 40 years. He attended St. John’s Cathedral Boys’ School from 1962 to 1968. Richard lives with his wife Wendy in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. Available for interview requests, on or offline.
About ennui.press
Founded in 2014, ennui.press is the publishing arm of bedard.com, a web property first launched in 1995. ennui.press has published Victor Hugo (Hernani), Amabilis Bedard, John Bedard, pd bedard, and now Richard de Candole.
###
Amazon and all related Marks are Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
For all press and interview inquiries
Pierre Bedard
650 823 2463
Richard de Candole
5decand@telus.net
Product details
ASIN: B0B1LYZYB5
Publisher: ennui.press (May 17 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 261 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8449758873
Item weight : 349 g
Dimensions: 12.85 x 1.5 x 19.84 cm
