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About the author
John Galt was a Scottish novelist, entrepreneur, and political and social commentator born in 1779. He is often credited as the first political novelist in the English language due to his exploration of the Industrial Revolution in his works. In addition to his literary career, Galt was deeply involved in the development of Canada, serving as the first superintendent of the Canada Company, an initiative aimed at settling parts of Southern Ontario. This venture is considered one of the most significant settlement efforts in Canadian history. However, Galt's tenure with the Canada Company ended in failure due to mismanagement and financial missteps, leading to his recall to Britain. His personal financial struggles continued, culminating in a period of imprisonment for failing to pay his son's tuition. Galt's autobiographical work, published in 1833, offers insight into his life and experiences, particularly his time in Upper Canada. His legacy includes not only his literary contributions but also his impact on early Canadian settlement. He was the father of Sir Alexander Tilloch Galt, a key figure in Canadian politics.
