John Kalbfleisch’s book delightfully documents Montreal’s beginnings as a religious mission, then charts its development all the way up to Expo ’67.

In his introduction, Kalbfleisch, a reporter for Montreal’s Gazette, says that he views himself more as an antiquarian than a historian, gathering stories from news reports and more personal sources like diaries, eyewitness accounts, and personal interviews. This makes for a vivid blend of fact and fiction, gossip and substance.

Kalbfleisch shines a light on neglected citizens of the city throughout the ages. His most touching portrait is that of “the saintly John Easton Mills,” Montreal’s mayor during the 1847 typhus epidemic. Mills tirelessly aided the sick and suffering throughout the plague, yet the city has never dedicated anything to him but “a dinky little one-block street.” Odd, given that so many avenues in Montreal boast the names of mayors much less deserving.

Instead of arranging the stories chronologically, Kalbfleisch divides the book into five broad topics: the lay of the land; royal visitors; spies; religious figures; and historically important deaths. Each chapter offers unusual insights into Montreal’s past, most of which have never made it into the official history. This alternative viewpoint is compelling, particularly in the context of Kalbfleisch’s assertion that Montreal is “the country’s true capital.”

Kalbfleisch’s approach allows for a concentrated, personal look at Montreal’s history, and presents the island as being in a constant state of flux. From the divisive religious and linguistic issues to the common spaces and interests that bind the populace together, Montrealers are sure to see themselves reflected in many of these tales.