Isaac Weld was an Irish writer who visited the United States of America and Canada for fifteen months between 1795 and 1797. This book is the published account of his travels. While he did not enjoy his visit to the United States, remarking that he found Americans rude, was shocked at their support for slavery and their treatment of Indigenous people, he was more impressed by Canada. On visiting Quebec City, he praised the views from the citadel and argued that due to the low cost of land, a man of moderate means could easily establish himself and his family in the country.

Weld’s account was rather popular, going through several editions between its initial publication in 1799 and 1807. It had also been translated into French, German, Italian and Dutch by 1820.