A visually spectacular saga of the events, people and experiences that shaped a nation and the Canadian psyche.

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. Hayes 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.