"Origins" is a well-written, clearly organized, and richly illustrated text that covers not only Canadian political and economic history, but also social and cultural history in an integrative way. It tells the story of the Native People as well as the coming of several European countries focusing on the English and French and the permanent European settlement that is now Canada. The text emphasizes regional developments and differences within an integrated national history. The text incorporates the latest research, and presents a balanced approach of political, economic, social and cultural history. The text also incorporates historiographical debate boxes entitled "Where Historians Disagree", as well as individual and community portraits, time lines, introductory overviews at the beginning of each section, up-to-date bibliographies at the end of each chapter, plus references to relevant websites, and a comprehensive index.