Thomas Chapais' 'The Great Intendant: A Chronicle of Jean Talon in Canada, 1665-1672' meticulously chronicles the critical period in Canadian history during which Jean Talon served as the zealous Intendant of New France. With a narrative enriched by extensive historical detail and analysis, Chapais offers readers a nuanced portrait of Talon's administration and his enduring impacts on the colonization and economic frameworks of the time. The author's rigorous exploration of 17th-century French settlements provides a vivid literary tableau, situating Talon's ambitious reforms and policies within the wider political and social milieu of Louis XIV's France, thus making a significant contribution to the historiography of New France. Chapais, a profoundly consequential figure in the landscape of Canadian historical writing, was not only a respected historian but also a senator and professor who played a formative role in shaping the national identity of Canada through his works. His unique position of influence and his deep connection to his subject matter offers a seminal work that reflects both scholarly dedication and personal passion, affording him the insight necessary to craft a biography that is as informative as it is compelling. 'The Great Intendant' is poised to appeal to academics, history enthusiasts, and readers with an interest in the evolution of colonial administrations. Chapais' meticulous research and eloquent narrative render the complexities of Talon's tenure and the burgeoning of New France accessible to a contemporary audience. This book stands as a pivotal reference for understanding the nascent political and economic structures of Canada, serving as a testament to the formidable legacy of Jean Talon.