The Trent system of lakes, rivers, and canals occupies a considerable part of the counties of Hastings, Durham, Northumberland, Peterborough, Haliburton, and Victoria, in the province of Ontario. This volume of documents, records, and early writings covers the discovery and settlement of the valley, development and decline of the lumber trade, the Trent Canal and community life, and is abundantly illustrated in gravure and line from source materials.

The Times Literary Supplement says of this first volume that is "raised high hopes of an important contribution to Canadian social and economic history." British Book News says that the "excerpts from manuscripts, newspapers, old and rare books and pamphlets, with the excellent contemporary illustrations, give a vivid and valuable account of early life in this interesting area."