BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Following the success of First Invaders (Ronsdale, 2004), Alan Twigg turns his attention to First Nations writers, unearthing more than 300 books by more than 170 mostly unheralded British Columbia aboriginal authors. Taking the reader from residential schools to art galleries, this lively and unprecedented panorama of British Columbia includes trailblazer Pauline Johnson, political organizer George Manuel and Haida carver Bill Reid. Equally important, Aboriginality sheds new light on fascinating, lesser-known figures such as Chief William Sepass, and Howard Adams, to name only two. Nearly half the author profiles are women, including Marilyn Dumont, Lizette Hall and Heather Harris. Each author is presented in historical and chronological context, along with background material on aboriginal history, as well as rare photos, illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography. "Alan Twiggs Aboriginality is unprecedented and indispensable." —Howard White, publisher, Encyclopedia of British Columbia.
“Aboriginality is not a comprehensive reference work by any means, but it’s something more valuable: a starting point for discovering the mostly unsung native writers who have put pen to paper in B.C. . . . a must-read.”—Vancouver Sun
“Alan Twigg’s Aboriginality is unprecedented and indispensable.”—Howard White, Publisher, Encyclopedia of British Columbia
“[Aboriginality] offers a wealth of selections, a menu to explore, to devour, for any readers with similar motivation to know this place and its cultures.”—Prairie Fire
“A satisfying read for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the work of Aboriginal writers and artists.”—Pacific Rim Book Review
“Twigg’s new book alters the face of Canadian literature. It is a must-read.”—Wendy Wickwire, History Dept., University of Victoria
“Twigg is the Ali Baba of Canadian literary studies. He finds literary gems from the often silent and discursive past and brings them to life.”—Papers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada