Mike Parker

Mike Parker has been called Nova Scotia’s Storyteller - a reference to the diversity of themes covered in his numerous books of popular history. In addition to personal research and writing, Mike contracts assignments and speaking engagements through Old Days-Old Ways Heritage Programs & Services. For more info, including biographical details, log on to: http://www.smu.ca/gri/mparker

Selected List of Publications

Gold Rush Ghost Towns of Nova Scotia. Pottersfield Press, 2009. 978-1897426043

Historic Annapolis Valley. Nimbus Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-55109-583-1.

"Historic Annapolis Valley is chock full of interesting anecdotes and pictures accompanied by a friendly text written with affection ... This book may be a trip down memory lane for oldsters, but it is an exciting view of the recent past for others whose memories are shorter."
      - Glen Hancock, Digby Courier, December 7, 2006.

Fortress Halifax. Nimbus Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-55109-494-0

"Parker shows exceptional skill in putting a human face on military history.... The book contains an enormous amount of fascinating information ... an excellent reference source on military life in Canada."
      - Jim Lotz, Canadian Military History Book Review Supplement

"Like a stroll back through time. Very enlightening, copiously illustrated ... well packed with nuggets of information, and anyone who's interested in the history of the city will spend many happy hours mining them."
      - David Pitt, Halifax Chronicle Herald

"A well-researched book ... a treasure trove of interesting snippets. Fortress Halifax is like a time capsule that will greatly enhance the experience of viewing much that still exists."
      - Doug Thomas LCdr (ret'd): Trident.

The Smoke-Eaters. Nimbus Publishing, 2002. ISBN 1-55109-417-7.

"Parker has done an exhaustive amount of research.... The Smoke-Eaters is a considerable feat, gathering together into one volume a significant amount of Nova Scotia's firefighting history, ably recounted by an avid historian."
      - Jodi DeLong, Halifax Chronicle Herald.

"There is an almost breath-taking scope in time range, geographical coverage and themes covered. The Smoke-Eaters is a welcome addition to the study of fire and fire protection in Nova Scotia. It is an eminently readable book showcasing many exceptional photographs."
      - B.E.S. Rudachyk, Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society.

"Parker brings to the province's firefighting history the same attention to detail found in histories he has written of Digby, Lunenburg and Dartmouth."
      - Bruce Erskine, Halifax Chronicle Herald.

Historic Digby. Nimbus Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-55109-339-1.

"If ever a writer deserved the Richardson Award for quiet, conscientious, continuous, brilliant effort, it is Mike Parker.... He has captured the flavour of our pastso well."
      - Lance Woolaver, Shunpiking, Nova Scotia's Discovery Magazine.

Historic Lunenburg. Nimbus Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-55109-297-2.

"A superb marriage of text and photographs."
      - Richard Wilbur, Canadian Book Review Annual.

Historic Dartmouth. Nimbus Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1-55109-265-4

"A comprehensive and thoughtful word/photo history ... genuine and interesting. I would highly recommend it."
      - Arnie Patterson, The Daily News.

Rivers of Yesterday. Nimbus Publishing, 1997 ISBN 1-55109-225-5.

"Nova Scotian Mike Parker has become one of the Maritimes leading anthologists of wilderness history."
      - Eric Marks, The New Brunswick Reader.

Where Moose and Trout Abound. Nimbus Publishing, 1995 ISBN 1-55109-132-1.

"An enormously appealing portrait of Nova Scotia. It will make you wish you could step back in time and see the place for yourself."
      - David Pitt, Halifax Chronicle-Herald.

Running the Gauntlet. Nimbus Publishing, 1994. ISBN 1-55109-068-6.

"An excellent book ... a fascinating insight into the role of the Canadian merchant service during the Second World War ... eloquently describes the sacrifices of Canada's merchant veterans."
      - Gavin Murphy, The Beaver: Canada's History Magazine.

"A corker of its kind - graphic."
      - Douglas Fisher, Legion Magazine.

"Parker's work is a unique and timely contribution to the history of World War II and dramatically emphasizes an injustice long overdue for redress."
      - Francis I.W. Jones, Canadian Oral History Association Journal.

Woodchips and Beans. Nimbus Publishing, 1992 ISBN 1-55109-023-6.

"A critical collection of interviews with those who made the history. It might well have been lost."
      - Rob Matthews, Halifax Chronicle Herald.

"Parker promises to entertain his readers with some great tales of an era now long gone."
      - Atlantic Books Today.

"Fortunately there are people like Mike Parker who compile stories into books like this ... a worthy successor to Guides of the North Woods."
      - Gary Saunders, Forest Times.

Guides of the North Woods. Nimbus Publishing, 1990. ISBN 0-92105-437-8.

"Mike Parker is to be applauded for bringing to life a heretofore neglected aspect of our history and heritage."
      - Ed Stoddard, New Maritimes.

"An excellent compilation of oral history that stirs the imagination and is thoroughly addictive."
      - Anthony R. Yue, Atlantic Provinces Book Review.

"The author has done his homework. Mike Parker's love for the tradition of old time guiding is evident."
      - Don Cayo, Saint John Telegraph Journal.

"An invaluable addition to the history of Nova Scotia."
      - Matt Hartman, Canadian Book Review Annual.

You can send mail to Mike Parker
c/o Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia