Canadian Churches: An Architectural History (Hardcover)

Delightful for historians and architectural buffs. (Lois Cooper Muskoka Today 20071215)

Detailed descriptions and stunning photos of churches from across Canada ... some of them almost too incredible for words. (Bill Robertson Star Phoenix (Saskatoon) 20071027)

[a] generous banquet for both eye and mind, architectural field guide for the curious, [and] treasury of information. (John Bentley Mays The Globe and Mail 20071115)

Recommended for its breadth, engaging and informative text, and discriminating selection of representative church architecture. (Russell T. Clement Library Journal 200812)

Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, Canadian Churches: An Architectural History is a most moving experience. (Joan Sutter Shelf Life 20071224)

Takes us on a mammoth photographic tour of 180 places of worship. (Scott McDonald Quill and Quire 20071221)

Oversized, in full colour, this book is an important reference for Canadian Christian architecture. (Gloria Hildebrandt Escarpment Views 200712)

An impressive and timely coffee table book... a worthwhile overview of the country's religious architectural heritage. (Alan Hustak The Gazette (Montreal) 20071211)

Richardson's book has not been out more than a month, and already five of its featured churches have been lost. (Jennifer Green Ottawa Citizen and canada.com 200809)

Sumptuously illustrated ... comprehensive.... a remarkable document that deserves the widest possible audience. (Stephen Rowe IMAGO 200712)

The first definitive guide to more than 180 of the most beautiful and significant churches across the country. (University of Toronto Bulletin 200712)

This book is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture and religion. (Heritage Matters, Vol 6 Issue 3, publication of On 200710)

This beautifully illustrated book ... is a must for architecture and history buffs. (Laila Maalouf Destinations 200710)

A striking and thorough journey into the history and architecture of Canada's religious buildings. (Up Magazine (Westjet) 20071011)

It is de Visser's images that make the book sparkle, with his heavenly sense for new angles and shafts of light. (Megan Grittani-Livingston Quill and Quire 200710)

This 448 page masterpiece ... has left out very few of the vast number of churches from coast to coast. (Cooper Edifice Old Home Magazine 20080301)

There are plenty of beautiful, famous and historic churches worth visiting in Canada, a point made emphatically by [this] book. (The Nugget (North Bay ON) 200712)

Sumptuous ... a wonderful addition to anyone's library. (Shirley Morriss Built Heritage News 200804)

There are plenty of beautiful, famous and historic churches worth visiting in Canada, a point made emphatically [in this book.] (Ottawa Sun 20080609)

Enormous, comprehensive, stunningly beautiful ... a dangerous book to open if the reader only has a few moments to spare. (Solange De Santis Anglican Journal 2008)

Visually satisfying... insightful, interesting and meticulously researched. (The Wayback Times (www.waybacktimes.com) 20080701)

Canadian Churches is a remarkable achievement, conveying the richness of the spiritual heritage of Canada, expressed in its built form. (Joan Tardif Catholic Insight 200804)

Over and over John de Visser's stunning and mind-swallowing photographs illustrate architectural imagination as a unique height of human capability. (James Strecker On the Arts )

A significant contribution to the history of architecture in Canada [and] a handy reference work. (Regina Haggo The Hamilton Spectator )

Christopher Wren said, "Architecture aims at eternity." The churches visited in this book bear out that observation. (Adrienne Antink American Reference Books Annual 2008 )

The refreshingly contextual historical narratives are made more enjoyable by the book's beautiful production.... Highly recommended. (L.P. Nelson, University of Virginia Choice )

Accessible to the amateur, there will also be enlightenment for those well versed in Canada's ecclesiastical built heritage. (Walter Vogels, Faculté de Théologie, Université Saint-Paul, Ottawa Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses 37/3-4 )

The first definitive guide to Canada's most beautiful and significant churches.

In every city and town in Canada, churches stand as monuments to our spiritual, ethnic and architectural heritage. With as many styles as there are denominations of faith, these buildings tell the story of 250 years of immigrants bringing their Old World traditions into a New World landscape, and of how these traditions changed over time as the country moved west.

These magnificent buildings were constructed by many different denominations and in very different styles, but they all have in common the desire to create a lasting and suitable monument to their faith.

Canadian Churches: An Architectural History is the first definitive guide to more than 250 of the most beautiful and significant churches across the country. Peter Richardson and Douglas Richardson provide the history of each church, including its construction, subsequent alterations or additions, the early congregation, and any architectural details that make these churches unique and noteworthy.

Packed with more than 400 photographs, this book is as beautiful as it is informative. The authors have captured the essence of the buildings as well as the human drama and passion that led to their creation. The rich history and beauty bring a romance to the "architecture of religion" that will leave readers captivated, regardless of their faith.

Canadian Churches is a must for anyone interested in Canadian architecture, history and religion.

(20071029)