The Oldest City: The Story of St. John's Newfoundland is an epic drama of North America's most historic city. In its 400 years, St. John's has been molded by stoic fishermen, intrepid aviators, brilliant statesmen, devoted clerics, brave social reformers and hard working business people. O'Neill's highly readable work also includes rapacious merchants, destructive fires, shameless politicians, religious bigots and warriors from many nations.