Abstract

The goal of this thesis has been to provide a reliable edition of Mary A. Shadd's long-forgotten 1852 book A Plea for Emigration; Or, Notes of Canada West. Shadd was an abolitionist, teacher, editor, army recruitment officer, lawyer, advocate for women's rights as well as an immigrant to Canada from the United States who lived here between 1851 and 1864. This thesis follows conventions of editing embodied in editions published by the Centre for Editing Early Canadian Texts based at Carleton University. These conventions include an Editor's Introduction which provides biographical and literary context, as well as a complete editorial apparatus including explanatory notes, bibliographical description of copy-text and emendations. The editing of Shadd's book, it is hoped, will allow scholars and teachers to reassess the scope of writing by Blacks in the Canadian tradition, as well as establish Shadd as more than just a figure in history, but also as a writer whose works deserve to be read today.