A new book commemorating the 250th anniversary of representative government in Nova Scotia and the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada was launched at Province House.

The Peaceful Revolution: 250 Years of Democracy in Nova Scotia, with colourful stories, photos and illustrations, was written by Nova Scotian author and historian John Boileau and co-published by Nimbus Publishing and Democracy 250.

The Peaceful Revolution describes how Nova Scotia helped shape the course of history in Canada, North America and beyond. It provides detailed accounts of the see-sawing battles between England and France for control of key North American footholds, as well as recounting Nova Scotia's pioneering role in establishing freedom of the press and Canada's first  representative and responsible governments.   

The forward to the book, written by Democracy 250 co-chairs Russell MacLellan and John Hamm, refers to it as "perhaps the most complete version of Nova Scotia's long, sometimes painful, but ultimately proud and peaceful, journeys towards democracy. A truthful story, replete with the good and the bad, it fills the gaps other historical accounts leave empty."

Mr. MacLellan said the book doesn't gloss over the injustices of the past.

"It openly acknowledges the sad chapters in Nova Scotia's history, including the expulsion of the Acadians and how European settlement almost wiped out the ancestors of today's Mi'kmaq."

John Hamm described The Peaceful Revolution as a wonderful resource for educators and anyone who loves history.

"It provides insight into many events that are not widely known and many Nova Scotian characters whose influence on Canadian  history was significant, but not widely shared. The book will help more people become familiar with the important role Nova Scotia played in shaping Canada's democratic institutions."

Nimbus Publishing general manager Dan Soucoup, said: "Nimbus Publishing is extremely pleased to have collaborated with author John Boileau and Democracy 250 in chronicling Nova Scotia's rich history during this special year of celebration. The Peaceful Revolution will be lasting legacy of the celebrations which mark an important milestone in Nova Scotia's, and Canada's, history."

The Peaceful Revolution: 250 Years of Democracy in Nova Scotia is available in bookstores across the country.