From the early days of exploration and settlement through the building of a nation to Canada’s contribution to the two world wars, this illustrated history of Canada conveys the drama and scope of the nation’s past. Through accessible commentary and a wealth of images, readers discover well-known and lesser-known facets of Canadian history, including the story of Canada’s first newspaper, the Halifax Gazette; the many railways (besides the Canadian Pacific) that connected people and places; the Canadian bridge that collapsed not once, but twice; and horrific disasters like the Halifax Explosion. He also illuminates the people—the famous, the infamous, and the less well known—from fur traders to politicians, air aces to refugee slaves.

From famous images of the country to unknown views of everyday life, here is a visual experience every Canadian can enjoy. More than 440 illustrations accompany the text, including 200 photographs, 50-plus paintings and drawings (many by Canadian artists) and 35 historic maps, as well as posters, stamps, cartoons, stained glass and tapestries.