In this book, Henry Klassen has made accessible the story of one of early Montreal's most remarkable citizens. Rising from humble origins, Luther H. Holton became an entrepreneur extraordinaire, with interests in real estate, railway building, steamboats, and banking. From the success of his various business ventures, Holton moved easily into the world of politics. Originally opposed to the union of the British North American provinces, he became a firm supporter of confederation and helped launch Canadian constitutional policy in a direction that served and enhanced national purposes for the subsequent century and a half. A staunch believer in creating opportunities for the Canadian national economy to develop and mature, Holton shared many of his visionary ideas with such luminaries as Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

Readers will learn the connections in Holton's life between the power of entrepreneurship, the evolution of capitalist business, economic growth, and Canadian constitutional development. Drawing from wide-ranging archival sources, many never before utilized, Henry Klassen has created a fascinating portrait of this little-known but extraordinary figure who played such a significant role in the shaping of Canada.