A. J. B. Johnston

Last updated

A. J. B. Johnston
BornAndrew John Bayly Johnston
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada [1]
OccupationHistorian
Writer
NationalityCanadian
Alma mater Dalhousie University, Université Laval [1]
Genre History, Historical fiction
Subject Atlantic Canada [1]
SpouseMary Topshee [1]
Children3 [1]
Website
ajbjohnston.com

Andrew John Bayly Johnston is a Canadian historian, novelist and museum writer. He is the author of six novels of historical fiction as well as sixteen books (and over 100 articles) on the History of Atlantic Canada. [2] Johnston is originally from Truro, Nova Scotia and currently lives in Halifax. [3]

Contents

Career

Johnston's writing career is closely associated with the history of the Fortress of Louisbourg. [4] In recognition of his body of work on that national historic site of Canada, the Government of France made Johnston a chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes académiques. [5] His 2017 book Endgame 1758 won a Clio award from the Canadian Historical Association and was short-listed for the Dartmouth Book Award [6]

Johnston had a long career as an historian with Parks Canada. [7]

The historical account Ni'n na L'nu: The Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island, co-authored with Jesse Francis, won the "best Atlantic-published" book, the PEI Book Award for non-fiction and a PEI Heritage Award. [8] Johnston also developed the story-lines and scripts for the exhibit of the same name.

Johnston has written the scripts for many exhibits in Atlantic Canada. [9] Some of those exhibits have been at (or currently still are at) the Nova Scotia Museum, the Colchester Historeum, Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, Yarmouth County Museum, the Black Cultural Centre, and the aforementioned travelling exhibit entitled N'in na L'nu: The Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island. [10]

Since 2009, Johnston has published three novels inspired by the historical figure of Thomas Pichon (1700–1781). They are Thomas, A Secret Life (2012), The Maze (2014) and Crossings (2015) [11] . Atlantic Books Today described Johnston as "a natural to write this story." [12] The review of Thomas in The Antigonish Review stated: "This is a fine novel, one that strikes just the right balance between fact and fiction." [13] As for The Maze, Paul W. Bennett writes: "Taking on historical fiction and imaginatively recreating the inner life of one of Canada's most controversial early historical figures would be beyond the reach of most scholars. A. J. B. Johnston ... is more than equal to that challenge." [14] The reviewer in the Nashwaak Review wrote: "Pichon is as real and developed a character as you will find anywhere … both believable and impressive." [15] Two more novels appeared in 2018, with The Hat, a YA novel about the Expulsion of the Acadians from Grand-Pré in 1755, and Something True, a coming-of-age biographical fiction about Katharine McLennan (1892-1975). [16]

In 2020, Nimbus Publishing released Johnston's Kings of Friday Night: The Lincolns. It's about a 1960s rock 'n roll band that was based in Truro, Nova Scotia and was widely popular across the Maritimes. [17] Though all-white, they played mostly Soul and R&B songs, and are credited with breaking racial barriers at the time. [18] One member of that band was renowned playwright, novelist and composer John MacLachlan Gray. [19] Gray wrote the "Foreword" to the book. The "Afterword" was written by the band's singer, Frank MacKay. After The Lincolns and a Toronto-based band called Soma, MacKay would go on to have a celebrated career as a stage actor as well. Johnston was interviewed about the book on "Book-Me Podcasts", hosted by Costas Halavrezos. [20] In November 2020, Johnston collaborated with Tom Ryan and Costas Halavrezos to create a 5-minute micro-documentary about The Lincolns. The video—Kings of Friday Night: The Lincolns—was posted on YouTube [21]

Johnston's research archives are deposited at the Beaton Institute of the Cape Breton University. [22]

In February and March 2017, Johnston was Writer-in-Residence at Wolff Cottage (the Center for the Writing Arts) in Fairhope, Alabama. [23]

In July 2018, A. J. B. Johnston was named as one of the members of a special task force that is to make recommendations to the Halifax Regional Municipality regarding the commemoration of British colonial governor of Nova Scotia, Edward Cornwallis, and of the commemoration of Indigenous history within the municipality. [24] That task force report was submitted to HRM mayor, council and staff in May 2020.

Johnston’s most recent book is a YA novel entitled Into the Wind published by Acorn Press. [25]

Authored and co-authored books

Fiction

History

Current English editions and re-prints

  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Francis, Jesse (2021). Ancient Land, New Land: Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada. Charlottetown: Acorn Press. ISBN   978-1-773660-70-7.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2020). Kings of Friday Night: The Lincolns. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-1-77108-848-0. ASIN : B08N1L2SKP. EPUB : ISBN   978-1-77108-849-7
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; LeBlanc, Ronnie-Gilles (2015). Grand Pré, Landscape for the World. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-1-771082-71-6.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2013). Louisbourg: Past, Present, Future. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-1-771080-52-1.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Francis, Jesse (2013). Ni'n na L'nu: The Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown: Acorn Press. ISBN   978-1-894838-93-1.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2007). Endgame 1758. The Promise, the Glory and the Despair of Louisbourg's Final Decade. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN   978-1-897009-20-8. (Canada), ISBN   978-0-8032-6009-2 (USA)
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2004). Storied Shores: St. Peter's, Isle Madame and Chapel Island in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Sydney: University College of Cape Breton Press. ISBN   978-1-897009-00-0.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Kerr, W.P. (2004). Grand-Pré, Heart of Acadie. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-1-55109-479-3.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2001). Control & Order: The Evolution of french Colonial Louisbourg, 1713–1758. East Lansing: Michigan State University Press. ISBN   0-87013-570-8.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (1996). Life and Religion at Louisbourg, 1713–1758. Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queens University Press. ISBN   0-7735-1525-9.Paperback Edition
  • Campbell, Brian; Johnston, A.J.B. (1995). Tracks across the Landscape: A Commemorative History of the S&L Railway. Sydney: University College of Cape Breton Press. ISBN   0-920336-64-7.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Donovan, Kenneth; Balcom, B.A.; Storm, Alex (2004) [1991]. Louisbourg, An 18th-Century Town. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-0-921054-88-7.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Reardon, Chris (photography) (1997). Louisbourg: The Phoenix Fortress . Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   0-921054-35-1.Paperback Edition
  • Dunton, Hope; Johnston, A.J.B. (1986). From the Hearth: Recipes from the World of 18th-Century Louisbourg. Sydney: University College of Cape Breton. ISBN   0-920336-01-9.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2002) [1983]. The Summer of 1744, A Portrait of Life in 18th-Century Louisbourg. Ottawa: Parks Canada. ISBN   0-660-18786-8.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (1981). Defending Halifax: Ordnance, 1825–1906. Ottawa: Parks Canada. ISBN   0-660-10842-9.

Previous English editions

Non-English editions and translations

  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Francis, Jesse (2014). Ni'n na L'nu : Les Mi'kmaq de l'île-de-Prince-Édouard. Tracadie-Sheila: La Grande Marée. ISBN   978-2-349-72315-4.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Buttiens, Michel (tr) (2011). 1758 : La finale. Promesses, splendeur et déolation de la dernière décennie de Louisbourg. Québec: Les Presses de l'Université Laval. ISBN   978-2-7637-9060-2. ISBN   9782763710600
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Kerr, W.P.; Filion, Sylvain (tr) (2004). Grand-Pré, Coeur de l'Acadie. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   978-1-551094-91-5.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (1988). La religion dans la vie à Louisbourg (1713–1758). Ottawa: Environnement Canada. ISBN   0-660-92278-9.
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Reardon, Chris (photography); Pichette, Robert (tr.) (1997). Louisbourg, Reflets d'une époque. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   1-55109-210-7.Paperback Edition
  • Johnston, A.J.B.; Reardon, Chris (photography); Pichette, Robert (tr.) (1997). Louisbourg, Reflets d'une époque. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing. ISBN   1-55109-206-9.Hardcover Edition
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (2002) [1983]. L'été de 1744: La vie quotidienne à Louisbourg au XVIIIe siècle. Ottawa: Parcs Canada. ISBN   0-660-96662-X.
  • Johnston, A.J.B. (1981). La défense d'Halifax : Artillerie, 1825–1906. Ottawa: Parcs Canada. ISBN   9780660906645.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siege of Annapolis Royal (1745)</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Pichon</span> French colonial official (1700–1781)

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military history of the Mi'kmaq</span> Militias of Mikmaq

The military history of the Mi'kmaq consisted primarily of Mi'kmaq warriors (smáknisk) who participated in wars against the English independently as well as in coordination with the Acadian militia and French royal forces. The Mi'kmaq militias remained an effective force for over 75 years before the Halifax Treaties were signed (1760–1761). In the nineteenth century, the Mi'kmaq "boasted" that, in their contest with the British, the Mi'kmaq "killed more men than they lost". In 1753, Charles Morris stated that the Mi'kmaq have the advantage of "no settlement or place of abode, but wandering from place to place in unknown and, therefore, inaccessible woods, is so great that it has hitherto rendered all attempts to surprise them ineffectual". Leadership on both sides of the conflict employed standard colonial warfare, which included scalping non-combatants. After some engagements against the British during the American Revolutionary War, the militias were dormant throughout the nineteenth century, while the Mi'kmaq people used diplomatic efforts to have the local authorities honour the treaties. After confederation, Mi'kmaq warriors eventually joined Canada's war efforts in World War I and World War II. The most well-known colonial leaders of these militias were Chief (Sakamaw) Jean-Baptiste Cope and Chief Étienne Bâtard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military history of the Acadians</span>

The military history of the Acadians consisted primarily of militias made up of Acadian settlers who participated in wars against the English in coordination with the Wabanaki Confederacy and French royal forces. A number of Acadians provided military intelligence, sanctuary, and logistical support to the various resistance movements against British rule in Acadia, while other Acadians remained neutral in the contest between the Franco–Wabanaki Confederacy forces and the British. The Acadian militias managed to maintain an effective resistance movement for more than 75 years and through six wars before their eventual demise. According to Acadian historian Maurice Basque, the story of Evangeline continues to influence historic accounts of the expulsion, emphasising Acadians who remained neutral and de-emphasising those who joined resistance movements. While Acadian militias were briefly active during the American Revolutionary War, the militias were dormant throughout the nineteenth century. After confederation, Acadians eventually joined the Canadian War efforts in World War I and World War II. The most well-known colonial leaders of these militias were Joseph Broussard and Joseph-Nicolas Gautier.

Alexander Denny, otherwise known as Kji-keptin Alex Denny of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council, both a founding member and two-term president of the UNSI, was most prominently known for the role he played in the ongoing battle for recognition of Mi'kmaq treaties and Aboriginal rights. Born to the Eskasoni First Nation and raised by two elders in the community, Denny was taught the importance of Mi'kmaq treaties from a young age. His passion for and knowledge of his community ultimately led Denny to be credited with attaining linguistic and political rights for the Mi'kmaq Nation at an international level. Additionally, It was Denny and the UNSI that organized the very first Treaty Day.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bio". A.J.B. Johnston | Novelist, Historian & Interpretive Writer | Thomas: A Secret Life. Archived from the original on 10 October 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Canadian Who's Who. University of Toronto Press. 2011. pp.  614. ISBN   9780921173274.
  3. ↑ "A J B Johnston" . Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  4. ↑ "CBC-TV at the Table" . Retrieved 11 January 2013.[ dead link ]
  5. ↑ McNeil, Greg (19 November 2011). "Louisbourg historian to be knighted by French government". Cape Breton Post.
  6. ↑ "The Clio Prizes". Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  7. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  8. ↑ "none". Halifax Chronicle Herald. 24 May 2014.
  9. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  10. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  11. ↑ "The Maze" . Retrieved 5 April 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
  12. ↑ Norris, Laurie Glenn (Fall 2012). Atlantic Books Today (70): 33–34.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  13. ↑ Sawler, Trevor (2013). The Antigonish Review. 173 (Spring): 89.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  14. ↑ Bennett, Paul W. (14 June 2014). "The roots of a notorious spy". The Chronicle Herald: G4.
  15. ↑ Sawyer, Trevor (2015). Nashwaak Review. 32–33.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  16. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Writers Federation. Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  18. ↑ Lawlor, Allison (4 May 2020). "Kings of Friday Night". The Chronicle Herald: B1.
  19. ↑ "John MacLachlan Gray » Authors » Talonbooks".
  20. ↑ "Book Me! Podcasts".
  21. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : Kings of Friday Night: The Lincolns. YouTube .
  22. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Writers Federation. Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  23. ↑ "A J B Johnston". Writers Federation. Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  24. ↑ "HRM announces members to serve on Cornwallis special advisory committee". 27 July 2018.
  25. ↑ "New Book | A.J.B. Johnston | Historian and Novelist". 22 January 2022.
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