This book surveys the social history of New France. For more than a century, until the British conquest of 1759-60, France held sway over a major portion of the North American continent. In this vast territory several unique colonial societies emerged, societies which in many respects mirrored ancien regime France, but also incorporated a major Aboriginal component.

Whereas earlier works in this field represented pre-Conquest Canada as entirely white and Catholic, The People of New France looks closely at other members of the society as well, including black slaves, English captives, and the Christian Iroquois of the mission villages near Montreal. The author extends his analysis to French settlements around the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi Valley, and to Acadia and Ile Royale.

Greer's book, addressed to undergraduate students and general readers, provides a deeper understanding of how people lived their lives in New France.