History of Canadian Architecture Vol. 1

by Harold Kalman

This first detailed comprehensive study has been long awaited. Until now, interest in the history of Canadian architecture has been satisfied mainly by brief surveys or local histories. Writing these two volumes over ten years, Kalman has produced a rich panorama, treating the vast range of Canadian building from the dwellings of the native peoples and the first settlers to buildings of the recent past and the present day. Describing the country's architectural history in a lucid and interesting narrative, and placing the buildings firmly in a social and cultural context, Kalman brings to light some distinctive characteristics of Canadian architects and a respect for nature, natural forms, and local materials; the tendencies to absorb ideas from abroad and then simplify and restrain them, and to take a middle position between extreme modernism and extreme traditionalism; the development of marked regional differences; and the flair for producing innovations in response to social issues.

Genres: Canada, Architecture

478 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 1994

Reviews

[Augustus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, what I'm reviewing is the two-volume hardcover History of Canadian Architecture (933 pages) by Harold Kalman that doesn't seem to be listed in Goodreads. It's an outstanding work, embellished by more than 850 high quality black-and-white photographs, many taken by the author.

This book is more than a narrative of evolving styles. It's really a broad history of Canada, illustrating differences between regions and their various architectural syntheses of native and international styles. Parts of the author's narratives highlight grand structures like the castle hotels of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and the most impressive monuments of Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. At the same time, he gives respectful treatment to the earliest dwellings of the First Nations and the rapidly built towns of loggers and gold prospectors. He covers both secular and religious buildings throughout Canadian history. In doing so, he blends stories of architects with descriptions of the evolving cultural settings where they worked. One memorable photograph shows the poet Robert Service sitting with a bicycle beside his log cabin in Dawson, Yukon Territory.

This book has a lot to offer and is highly recommended.