Spanning a century and a half, Photography in Canada, 1839–1989: An Illustrated History is a sweeping visual chronicle of how a young nation came to see itself through the camera lens. From the earliest daguerreotypes to the rise of photojournalism and experimental art photography, this richly illustrated volume traces the evolving role of the medium in shaping Canadian identity and memory.

The book reveals photography’s dual nature: both a tool for documenting reality and a medium for artistic expression. On one hand, we see images that captured Canada’s vast landscapes, growing cities, and pivotal historical events. On the other, we encounter photographs that pushed the boundaries of style and technique, reflecting broader cultural shifts and artistic ambitions.

What makes this work compelling is the way it situates photography not just as an art form, but as a witness to the nation’s development. Indigenous portraiture, immigrant communities, the portrayal of everyday life, and the rise of iconic Canadian photographers are all woven together to show how the medium evolved alongside the country itself.

Beautifully produced and thoughtfully researched, Photography in Canada, 1839–1989 is as much a history book as it is a celebration of visual culture. It opens the archive to reveal how photographs preserve memory, construct narratives, and invite us to re-examine the past through images that still resonate today.