The Making of the Nations and Cultures of the New World explores the question of how a culture - a collective consciousness - is born. Gérard Bouchard compares the histories of New World collectivities, which were driven by a dream of freedom and sovereignty, and finds both major differences and striking commonalities in their formation and evolution. He also considers the myths and discursive strategies devised by elites in their efforts to unite and mobilize diversified populations.

Gérard Bouchard is professor, human sciences, Université de Québec à Chicoutimi, and the author of numerous books, including Quelques arpents d'Amérique : population, économie, famille au Saguenay, 1838-1971, which won the 2000 Francois-Xavier Garneau Medal, Canadian Historical Association. He holds a Canada Research Chair and was appointed to the French Legion of Honour in 2002.