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Giants of Nova Scotia: The Lives of Anna Swan and Angus McAskill

Average rating: 5/5

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Giants of Nova Scotia: The Lives of Anna Swan and Angus McAskill

by Shirley Irene Vacon

POTTERSFIELD PRESS | September 1, 2008 | Trade Paperback

This double biography depicts the lives of the famed Nova Scotia giantess Anna Swan (1846-88) and the celebrated Cape Breton giant Angus McAskill (1825-63). These two splendid and singular celebrities toured the world entertaining royalty and impressing audiences from town halls to palaces. Angus and Anna''s Scottish influences were deeply embedded from childhood and although it was unlikely the two ever met, the similarities in their lives were uncanny. During their adventures, both giants worked with and met many unusual characters. Both met Queen Victoria. Anna married an American giant and the two toured as "The Tallest Married Couple in the World." The book explores the causes of gigantism and how this rare condition shaped the lives and personalities of these two Nova Scotians. Anna and Angus were born to normal-sized, hard-working parents and grew up in rural surroundings but rose to great stardom on the world stage. Both were regarded for their kind hearts and compassion for others. They have left a meaningful message for readers that resonates more than a century after their deaths. Both are honoured at museums in Nova Scotia that house their artifacts. Thousands of people flock to these sites to learn about these great giants.

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Reviews

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    Dale Swan

    Rating: 5/5

    GREAT!!

    Dale Swan

    3 years ago

    This book about the famed giants of Nova Scotia is wonderful. I know how much dedicated work and time Shirley put into this project. I also know firsthand how sensitively and caringly Shirley dealt with the life of Anna Swan, my great-great aunt..Anna was a lady and Shirley treated her as such.Thank you, Shirley.
    Anna is a popular topic for students doing heritage projects. This book is an excellent resource.
    Best wishes for future endeavours.

    Dale Swan, Curator of The Anna Swan Museum @The Creamery, Tatamagouche, N.S.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Great Job!!!

    Brooke Warren

    3 years ago

    LOVED THE BOOK!!!!!

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?
    Stephen Coulter

    Rating: 5/5

    Way To Go

    Stephen Coulter

    4 years ago

    I'm very proud of you mom, you did not give up, and it paid off in flying colours. You are an insperation to me, and I know that you will succeed at anything you put your mind to. Your the best. This book will help children all over the world learn a little of our Nova Scotia heritage.

    Comments on this review:
    SHIRLEY VACON

    Thank you for your wonderful support son. Means a lot to a budding author. Much love, Mom

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    What a wonderful accurate account of Anna & Angus' lives. Such details and interesting facts. A must have!!!!

    Comments on this review:
    SHIRLEY VACON

    Hello daughter, Yes Cherie, hope this book does provide the info for all to understand how a giant lived and the interesting adventures they had. Thank you for helping me succeed with your helpful research. Love you, Mom

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Details

From the Publisher

This double biography depicts the lives of the famed Nova Scotia giantess Anna Swan (1846-88) and the celebrated Cape Breton giant Angus McAskill (1825-63). These two splendid and singular celebrities toured the world entertaining royalty and impressing audiences from town halls to palaces. Angus and Anna''s Scottish influences were deeply embedded from childhood and although it was unlikely the two ever met, the similarities in their lives were uncanny. During their adventures, both giants worked with and met many unusual characters. Both met Queen Victoria. Anna married an American giant and the two toured as "The Tallest Married Couple in the World." The book explores the causes of gigantism and how this rare condition shaped the lives and personalities of these two Nova Scotians. Anna and Angus were born to normal-sized, hard-working parents and grew up in rural surroundings but rose to great stardom on the world stage. Both were regarded for their kind hearts and compassion for others. They have left a meaningful message for readers that resonates more than a century after their deaths. Both are honoured at museums in Nova Scotia that house their artifacts. Thousands of people flock to these sites to learn about these great giants.

About the Author

Shirley Vacon was born in Truro, Nova Scotia. Her career was with the Department of Youth Corrections in the capacity of a youth care worker with young offenders. While working in St. John''s, Newfoundland, Shirley attended Memorial University. She is the mother of three children and proud grandmother of seven. She got her start as a freelance writer in newspapers and magazines. This is her first book. She now lives in British Columbia.

Trade Paperback

125 Pages, 6 x 9 x 0.38 in

September 1, 2008

POTTERSFIELD PRESS

English


1897426011
9781897426012

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