The Great Company: Being a History of the Honourable Company of Merchants-Adventurers Trading into Hudson's Bay

"The Great Company" by Beckles Willson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the history of the Honourable Company of Merchants-Adventurers trading into Hudson's Bay, detailing the challenges, struggles, and achievements faced by this significant institution in the context of North American fur trade. It focuses on key figures, significant events, and interactions with both Indigenous populations and other colonial powers, illustrating the complex dynamics of trade and exploration during this period. The opening portion of the book introduces the background of the Hudson's Bay Company, highlighting its formation amidst English ambitions following the Restoration of the monarchy. It emphasizes the mercantile spirit that characterized England at the time and the quest for new trade routes, particularly into North America. Key figures like Prince Rupert and the adventurous traders Groseilliers and Radisson emerge as instrumental in the establishment of the Company, with an initial emphasis on the fur trade's potential wealth. The narrative establishes the foundational context for the ensuing chapters, setting the stage for the intricate history of the fur trade and the Company's enduring influence on Canadian development.