Images of Western Newfoundland: A Photographic Journey

Description

96 pages
Contains Photos
$34.95
ISBN 0-920911-88-9
DDC 971.804'0222

Author

Publisher

Year

1991

Contributor

Reviewed by Janet Arnett

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

 

Review

This is a collection of spectacular photos of spectacular scenery. Those
unfamiliar with the area will be surprised to find a mountain range,
fjords that look as if they belong in Norway, and barren
“desertscapes.” The expected images of Newfoundland—tundra-like
terrain, crashing water, bold rocks, fog, cod, and spruce forests—are
also present, but captured with an energy that lifts them out of the
tourist-brochure class of scenic photo.

Gros Morne National Park receives considerable attention in the
collection, as do two historic sites, the re-created Basque whaling
station at Red Bay and the Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows. Both are
of international significance, yet unknown to most Canadians.

Nicol is a master of landscape photography and although well known in
Newfoundland deserves wider recognition throughout Canada. His work is
dynamic, alive with energy, and technically flawless. To look at these
magnificent photos even casually is to know that Nicol loves
Newfoundland, and views the land with awe and respect and its people
with empathy.

The book lacks maps, a table of contents, and an index. While these
oversights on the part of the publisher are unfortunate, they do not
detract appreciably from the value of the work for the nonacademic
reader.

Citation

Nicol, Keith., “Images of Western Newfoundland: A Photographic Journey,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed February 13, 2025, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/11769.