Welcome To the Twenty First Century

by Pierre Berton

The monarchy, the movies, and everything in between is lampooned in this humorous retrospective of twentieth-century follies, foibles and fads from Canada's preeminent popular historian. Berton even ventures a look into the future, when in 2021, Chicago and New York launch the first 22-lane they are designed for a speed limit of 100 mph, but traffic is so congested the limit has to be readjusted — to 15 mph.

Following the success of A Farewell to the Twentieth Century , this new volume reflects Pierre Berton's knack for knowing just what will tickle the funny bones of his diehard fans.

236 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 1999

About the author

Pierre Francis de Marigny Berton, CC, O.Ont. (July 12, 1920 – November 30, 2004) was a Canadian historian, writer, journalist and broadcaster.


From narrative histories and popular culture, to picture and coffee table books to anthologies, to stories for children to readable, historical works for youth, many of his books are now Canadian classics.

Born in 1920 and raised in the Yukon, Pierre Berton worked in Klondike mining camps during his university years. He spent four years in the army, rising from private to captain/instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston. He spent his early newspaper career in Vancouver, where at 21 he was the youngest city editor on any Canadian daily. He wrote columns for and was editor of Maclean's magazine, appeared on CBC's public affairs program "Close-Up" and was a permanent fixture on "Front Page Challenge" for 39 years. He was a columnist and editor for the Toronto Star, and a writer and host of a series of CBC programs.

Pierre Berton has received over 30 literary awards including the Governor-General's Award for Creative Non-Fiction (three times), the Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour, and the Gabrielle Leger National Heritage Award. He received two Nellies for his work in broadcasting, two National Newspaper awards, and the National History Society's first award for "distinguished achievement in popularizing Canadian history." For his immense contribution to Canadian literature and history, he has been awarded more than a dozen honourary degrees, is a member of the Newsman's Hall of Fame and a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Reviews

[John A · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book I have ever forced myself to read. Most of this authors work us great and very enjoyed. This book is foolish and has no point. I would stick with his works on Canadian history and skip this one.

[Marnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Berton but the book is dated for reading now, 20 years later.

[Marcelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of his best books, although it got better in the second half.