Land of Destiny: The Golden Age of British Columbia

Lynn Manuel, the author of Return to Cranberry Farm, writes mystery
novels for young adults.

Lillard and Gregson trace the story of British Columbia during the
“Golden Age” in a segmented book encompassing the years 1945 to
1975. These sections include “The Style” (1945-1952), “The Boom”
(1953-1968), and “The Transition” (1969-1975). It is a collection of
black-and-white photographs, posters, magazine and book covers,
advertisements, and brief articles from individuals. With no wordy text
to persevere through and no hard-edged analysis, this book allows just
the right images from the past to tell everything. This is not meant to
be a work of criticism, but rather a glimpse into old lifestyles and
changing times.

It traces the postwar period characterized by the Dominion Style, with
the Union Jack as a symbol of civilization—a time when the
province’s resources were seemingly limitless and the Big Four
(forestry, mining, agriculture and fishing) promised a bright economic
future. This was followed by the Boom, with the pulp industry creating
instant towns and the helicopter allowing access to remote sites.
Finally, the Transition period revealed a new concern for the fragility
of the environment and a developing literary consciousness.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be entertained as
well as informed. An excellent overview and introduction to the province
of British Columbia.