Old Canadian Cemeteries: Places of Memory - Hardcover

Irwin, Jane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554071461 ISBN 13: 9781554071463

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2007

Synopsis

Canada abounds in historical burial places. Once you begin noticing their presence, old cemeteries seem to be everywhere. But these important links to the past are in danger of disappearing forever. The expansion of cities and roadways reclaim valuable land, and inscriptions are worn away by weather and time. Older cemeteries may be important records of immigration, settlement, armed forces, epidemics, class and religious schisms, and upward mobility of ethnic groups.

In Old Canadian Cemeteries, Jane Irwin invites the reader on a visual tour of historic cemeteries across Canada, examining such diverse topics as:

• Burial traditions, including customs from Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Ukranian, Quaker, Pioneer, Acadian, Chinese, Japanese, Inuit, First Nations and African-American cemeteries
• War memorials
• Graveyard symbols and motifs, and their meanings
• Materials used in cemeteries-stone, wood, bronze and cast iron
• Historic graveyard conservation.

Old Canadian Cemeteries is a must for anyone interested in Canadian history.

About this title

Review:

Irwin looks at the historical context of both small rural and large urgan graveyards. The book is illustrated with stunning photos.

Every genealogist's dream book.--Lois Cooper"Muskoka Today" (12/13/2007)

The book, which again benefits from John De Visser's brilliant photographic eye, is a definite must for all who love the exploration and the celebration of this almost forgotten part of our Canadian heritage.--Cooper"Edifice Old Home Magazine" (09/01/2007)

The book provides a thought-provoking examination of some of this country's oldest public spaces.--Robert Wiersema"The Vancouver Sun" (12/08/2007)

Packed with hundreds of photographs accompanied by an intelligent text.--Andrew Armitage"The Sun Times (Owen Sound, ON)" (11/02/2007)

Old Canadian Cemeteries is a must for anyone interested in Canadian history.--Ontario Heritage Trust"Heritage Matters, vol. 6, no. 1" (02/01/2008)

The pages of this book depict places of memory, reflection and beauty -- and the result is a fascinating excursion into history that is at once very personal and shared.-- (09/01/2008)

This big book shows the variety of monuments, describes the evolution of traditions and portrays the symbols and motifs of Canadian cemeteries in 250 colour photographs and erudite text.--The Beaver (12/01/2007)

Spectacular ... Offers a fascinating look at some of the most exquisite architecture and compelling history of our nation. Whether to marvel at the breathtaking photographs or to delight in our nation's diversity, you'll be drawn to the book again and again.-- (11/01/2007)

Rich with history and information... With beautiful photographs by Paul G. Hoffman, this fascinating book captures many important faith and cultural traditions before we lose them.-- (10/27/2007)

About the Author:

Jane Irwin is a former professor of English Literature and an accredited member of the Association for Gravestone Studies. Her previous books include Burlington, for which she first teamed up with John de Visser.

John de Visser has garnered much praise for his striking photographs of Canadian places. His work appears in more than 50 books, and he holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications.

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1554071461
• ISBN 13: 9781554071463
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320