Joseph Howe was a man of many talents, most of which he pursued with considerable distinction and success. He is most widely remembered as the leading politician of nineteenth-century Nova Scotia: he won responsible government for the province; served in its legislature through three decades (ultimately as premier); fought Confederation, but subsequently represented Nova Scotia in the federal parliament and became a minister of the federal government; in the end, he died at Government House, while serving as lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia. Moreover, his political life did not simply amount to struggles for power and authority; he was also a driving force behind Nova Scotia's economic development, contributing significantly to the building of railroads and the management of Atlantic fisheries. At the same time, particularly in the earlier part of his life, he was deeply concerned with the social and cultural character of the province. He was...