More About the Book
"Given how many books have been written about the exploration of Vancouver Island and the waters around it, is there really room for one more? In a word, yes. Michael Layland’s A Perfect Eden is a fine addition to the range of books already published . . . This book is informative and highly readable, and no matter how much you have read about exploration of the Island, you will surely learn from this book as well."
"Layland is the perfect guide. He has read everything about Vancouver Island from 1774 to 1862, and delivers the choicest morsels from hundred of log books and diaries. He introduces us, in pictures and stories, to the poeple whose names we live with every day . . . and takes us with them as they charted these waters and measured the land . . . This book is my top pick."
A Perfect Eden is on the Vancouver Sun's list of BC Bestsellers through the month of December.
"A well-organized, well-written guide to first contact [between European explorers and First Nations in BC]."
In A Perfect Eden, Michael Layland describes the origins of our love affair with Vancouver Island. For much of it he lets those who came here speak for themselves with liberal quotes from their writings. He does not offer a lot of analysis, but rather tells the story of European exploration of, and growing attachment to, this particular part of the world . . . He tells the story with knowledge and affection, and the book is beautifully produced and illustrated.
Published:
October 4, 2016
Format:
Hardback With printed dust jacket
Page Count:
256
Contributors:
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the BC Arts Council.
