Description

The Villages Within: An Irreverent History of Toronto and a Respectful Guide to the St. Andrew’s Market, the Kings West District, Kensington Market, and Queen Street West

by Doug Taylor

The Villages Within is an irreverent
version of Torontos past that will
not improve anyones knowledge
of history, but its fabrications and
exaggerations may provide an
amusing insight into the lives of
those who built the town of York. It
is an expos of historical untruths,
a book that no school should ever
permit its students to read.

Discover Lord Dorchesters unusual
method of staying warm while his
underwear froze during his first
winter in Canada. Learn about
Elizabeth Simcoes struggle with
the intoxicating evils of gooseberry
wine. During the War of 1812, why
did Laura Secord deliver a cow to
James Fitzgibbon in the dead of
night? Why did the residents of York
fear an American invasion in 1813,
even though they needed their
dollars to support the towns tourist
industry? Why did the colonists, who
never bathed at the best of times,
become truly revolting in 1837?

In a more serious vein, this
book chronicles the history and
architecture of the Kings West
District, the Kensington Market,
and the proudly tacky Queen
Street West. The narrative details
the events in the life of the old
St. Andrews Market, allowing
those who visit the area today to
appreciate its rich heritage.

About the Author
Doug Taylor has researched and studied the history of Toronto for several decades, as well as taught local studies in both elementary and secondary schools. He was a member of the faculty of Lakeshore Teachers’ College (York University) and the Ontario Teacher Education College. He is retired and lives in Toronto.