Patricia E. Roy

Patricia E. Roy is a Canadian historian and professor emerita at the University of Victoria, specializing in British Columbia history and Asian-Canadian relations. Her research has focused extensively on the treatment of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in British Columbia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Roy is particularly known for her trilogy on the history of anti-Asian politics in British Columbia: "A White Man's Province" (1989), "The Oriental Question" (2003), and "The Triumph of Citizenship" (2007). These works examine the development of racial attitudes and discriminatory policies against Asian Canadians from the 1850s to 1967. Her scholarly contributions extend beyond Asian-Canadian history to include broader studies of British Columbia's political and social development. Roy has authored several other significant works, including "Vancouver: An Illustrated History" and "The Oriental Question: Consolidating a White Man's Province, 1914-41." Roy's research has earned recognition from various academic institutions, and she has served as a member of the Royal Society of Canada. Her work continues to be influential in discussions of Canadian immigration history and race relations.

Roy's academic works receive attention primarily from scholars and students of Canadian history. Readers note her thorough research and detailed documentation of anti-Asian discrimination in British Columbia. What readers liked: - Comprehensive archival research and primary source citations - Clear chronological organization - Balanced presentation of historical events - Detailed footnotes and bibliographies What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging for general readers - Some sections focus heavily on policy minutiae - Limited personal narratives and first-hand accounts from Asian Canadians Ratings/Reviews: Goodreads: - "A White Man's Province" - 3.8/5 (12 ratings) - "The Oriental Question" - 4.0/5 (8 ratings) Amazon reviews are limited, with most books having 1-2 reviews. Academic journal reviews consistently praise Roy's research methodology while noting the specialized nature of her work. One history student reviewer noted: "Essential for research but requires patience - not a casual read."

A White Man's Province: British Columbia Politicians and Chinese and Japanese Immigrants, 1858-1914 Examines the development of anti-Asian racism in British Columbia and the political response to Asian immigration during the province's formative years.

The Oriental Question: Consolidating a White Man's Province, 1914-41 Analyzes the entrenchment of anti-Asian policies and attitudes in British Columbia between the World Wars.

The Triumph of Citizenship: The Japanese and Chinese in Canada, 1941-67 Documents the journey of Japanese and Chinese Canadians from wartime discrimination to achieving full citizenship rights.

Vancouver: An Illustrated History Chronicles Vancouver's development from a small settlement to a major city through historical photographs and detailed narrative.

Mutual Hostages: Canadians and Japanese during the Second World War Explores the complex relationship between Japanese Canadians and other Canadians during World War II.

The Chinese in British Columbia Presents a comprehensive overview of Chinese immigration, settlement, and community development in British Columbia.

Ken Adachi explored Japanese-Canadian history through his work "The Enemy That Never Was," documenting Japanese internment and discrimination in Canada. His research methodology and focus on primary sources parallel Roy's approach to examining Asian-Canadian relations.

Peter Ward wrote "White Canada Forever: Popular Attitudes and Public Policy Toward Orientals in British Columbia" which examines anti-Asian sentiment in British Columbia. His work covers similar geographic and temporal scope to Roy's research on racial politics in western Canada.

Kay Anderson authored "Vancouver's Chinatown: Racial Discourse in Canada" focusing on the social construction of race and space in British Columbia. Her examination of how racial categories shaped urban development connects with Roy's analysis of how racism influenced provincial policies.

Ann Gomer Sunahara documented Japanese-Canadian internment and related policies in "The Politics of Racism: The Uprooting of Japanese Canadians During the Second World War." Her work shares Roy's focus on government policy and its impact on Asian-Canadian communities.

David Lai studied Chinese-Canadian communities through works like "Chinatowns: Towns Within Cities in Canada" and contributed to understanding British Columbia's ethnic history. His research on Chinese immigration and settlement patterns complements Roy's examination of Asian experiences in British Columbia.