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Ghost Empire: How the French Almost Conquered North America

philip marchand

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After he explored the Great Lakes and the entire Mississippi, Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was murdered by his own men when he led them on a disastrous mission to Texas. But the vast land he claimed for France in 1682 could have become―had it not been for a few twists of history―a French-speaking empire extending more than a thousand miles beyond Quebec. This alternative North America would have been Catholic in religion and granted Native peoples a prominent role.

Philip Marchand probes the intriguingly flawed character of La Salle and recounts the astonishing history of the Jesuit missionaries, coureurs de bois, fur traders, and soldiers who followed on his heels, and of the Indian nations with whom they came into contact. He also reports on the ways in which the drama of this ghost empire continues to be played out in battle reenactments and in parish churches and wayside restaurants from Montreal to Venice, Louisiana. Throughout the book, Marchand draws on memories of his own Catholic childhood in Massachusetts to interpret the lingering attitudes, fears, hopes, and iconography of a people who, more deeply than most, feel the burdens and the ironies of history.

480 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4,2005

This edition

Format
480 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 30, 2007 by Praeger
ISBN
9780275994174
ASIN
0275994171
Language
English

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About the author

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philip marchand

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 10 votes)
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
kitaro_sucks
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I've never come across a book that combines history, contemporary travelogue, autobiography, and spiritual commentary in quite the same way as Marchand's exploration of the French in North America.

It offers a wealth of knowledge about the French settlers and explorers. According to the author, they had the potential to shape a continent that was Catholic and French, if not for a few turns of fate.

The book follows the adventures of the brave yet unfortunate LaSalle, from Quebec to Texas, recreating the sagas that defined pre-revolutionary America and the francophone communities that endured for nearly 300 years.

Marchand, who has also written the primary biography of media philosopher Marshall McLuhan, incorporates some wry and perceptive insights about communication into this work.

Overall, it is a fascinating and unique read that provides a fresh perspective on a significant period of North American history.
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Nightcreed101
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book presents the captivating story of an exceptional individual, Cavelier de LaSalle. His remarkable skills and unwavering determination propelled him to undertake a plethora of nearly insurmountable projects, predominantly in the mid-west, as well as in the Texas and Gulf of Mexico regions of the US.


Authored by Philip Marchand, an American writer of French-Canadian descent, the book is like a rich mosaic, encompassing his thoughts, knowledge, and personal memories regarding the French presence in North America.


The narrative's thread revolves around the explorations and exploits of LaSalle. However, the author delves into various nooks and crannies related to the French diaspora, spanning from the very beginning to more contemporary times.


Marchand trails LaSalle's travels but pauses here and there to engage with the locals and "have a beer" with them. Through these interactions, he gleans a wide array of fascinating insights.


As a relatively well-informed French-Canadian, this book by an American author still managed to evoke numerous "I didn't know that!" moments for me, offering a fresh perspective and expanding my understanding.

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Reksho
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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So far, it is truly fantastic.

This is a history book that reads like a captivating travel diary. It takes the readers on a journey through different eras and places, making history come alive in a vivid and engaging way.

It should be considered as required reading for every student. In today's world, it is essential for students to have a good understanding of history.

Especially for anyone who does not want to live in ignorance of history. By reading this book, students can gain valuable insights into the past, learn from the mistakes and successes of our ancestors, and develop a broader perspective on the world around them.

It is not just a book about facts and figures, but also a source of inspiration and motivation for students to explore and discover more about the rich and diverse history of our world.

Overall, this history book is a must-read for students of all ages and backgrounds.
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saurovaki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A very meandering book with an interesting premise, that probably would have been stronger as two books rather than one.

As it is, it's a fairly basic pop history of French colonial influence in North America told primarily through La Salle's various travels crossed with a modern travelogue tracing parts of his route.

My interest flagged repeatedly despite finding the topic interesting. There were times when the narrative seemed to drag on, perhaps due to the combination of the historical account and the modern travelogue. However, my interest was usually revived mainly by just how many of the places Marchand mentions in tracing the lines of France's North American "ghost empire" I've been. It was quite fascinating to read about these places and recall my own experiences there.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, it still provided some interesting insights into French colonial history in North America and the connection between the past and the present.
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Fistula
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Driven by a desire to "walk" the trial, just like Philip Marchand's need to follow the trail of La Salle in Ghost Empire: How the French Almost Conquered North America, Robinson's history is propelled by the longing to "know" precisely the boundaries and location of the Toronto Carrying-Place.

Although written in a traditional historical and celebratory style, Robinson's research offers a wealth of information regarding the history of Toronto and the surrounding region. His pursuit of information, inspired by a personal aspiration to understand the area where he resided, encompasses photos of him along sections of the trail in the 1930s.

This serves as a reminder to historians that all research is ignited by personal curiosities about our world and our surroundings. It emphasizes that behind every historical study lies an individual's inquisitive nature, seeking to uncover the hidden stories and details of the past. Robinson's work not only contributes to the knowledge of Toronto's history but also highlights the importance of personal motivation in driving historical research.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Wasabi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Fascinating indeed is the fact that the French came perilously close to colonizing a significantly larger portion of North America than they ultimately managed to assume control over.

It is truly mind-boggling to consider how different the world order might have evolved had they been more successful in their colonial endeavors.

The French presence in North America was extensive, with settlements and trading posts scattered across a wide area. Their influence could have potentially shaped the political, cultural, and economic landscapes of the continent in ways that are difficult to imagine.

The languages, religions, and social structures that might have emerged under French dominance could have been vastly different from what we see today.

It makes one wonder about the countless what-ifs and the delicate balance of history that led to the outcomes we know.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
EchoGumdrops
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What makes this book truly captivating is that it commences and concludes with LaSalle’s expedition to Texas.

These serve as the bookends that frame the recounting of the French history in the middle of the USA. Locations such as Detroit, St. Louis, Louisiana, and others are brought to life.

At times, the author becomes mired in the minutiae of his travel episodes and encounters, which I didn't particularly relish. However, he does an outstanding job of examining the legacy of France in North America, a subject that is frequently overlooked in other historical works.

The absolute most fascinating aspect throughout the entire book is the improbable story of Robert Talon. You'll have to peruse the book (or perhaps conduct a Google search) to discover the reason why.

This book offers a unique perspective on French history in the US, with its engaging narrative and in-depth exploration of a topic that deserves more attention.
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gawdofconquest
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly wanted to award this book with more stars as I thoroughly enjoyed it and it presented some really nice stories. However, the title was extremely misleading, which made me quite angry.

This book was supposed to be the account of the great explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LA Salle, who claimed the Mississippi River for the French in the 1670s and 80s. Additionally, it was meant to provide us with some insights into that empire – Louisiana.

But what the author does in each chapter is rather different. The author tells you something about LaSalle and then proceeds to talk about what was seen while researching the book. This involved retracing LaSalle’s steps from Quebec to the mouth of the Mississippi in modern-day North America to observe what remnants of LaSalle’s memory and the descendants of the French still remained in America.

The author is indeed a good storyteller, and I found certain parts of it mildly interesting. Nevertheless, I didn't really need to know as much as I now do about historical re-enactors or barroom conversations in Iroquois reservations. I have a genuine interest in French imperial Canadian history, but I don't know a great deal about the history of the French empire in Louisiana. That's why I obtained this book, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver as promised.

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