Saskatchewan: The Luminous Landscape

Ashley Thomson is a full librarian at Laurentian University and co-editor or co-author of nine books, most recently Margaret Atwood: A Reference Guide, 1988-2005.

Published to honour Saskatchewan’s centennial, this is a book that
truly lives up to its title. It contains messages from the lieutenant
governor and the premier, and page after page of beautiful colour
photographs that reflect the landscape of the province.

Courtney Milne has called Saskatchewan home since 1943. He has
photographed all corners of the province, from his own backyard to the
far south and north. His biggest focus in this book is on nature. There
are several close-ups of rocks, plants, and blades of grass, but many
more panoramic shots, often taken at sunrise or sunset (you can’t beat
a Saskatchewan sunset). There are real-time photographs and several that
are time-lapse. Shots are taken in every season, although summer appears
to dominate. From this collection, you’d never get the impression that
Saskatchewan has any towns or cities, much less people. And while its
intention is not didactic, it certainly reinforces the view that our
natural environment deserves protection.

Most shots are accompanied by short captions from the author, who
frequently reflects on the shot. Here is a typical example: “As the
sun touches the horizon, my shadow grows to infinite size, then
disappears. I stride to the east, line up the tree and the sun, and
enjoy the dramatic contrasts found at last light. I remember how, twenty
years earlier, I had caught the first glimmer of moonrise on this same
enduring tree.”

This is Milne’s 12th book of photography. It is truly a gift to his
province from one of its most-decorated photographers. Interestingly,
those who live in Saskatchewan do not have to buy the book—they can
access its photographs at no change through www.cookscapes.sk.ca thanks
to a partnership with Milne and SaskTel. For the rest of us, a trip to
the bookstore is the only way to obtain this splendid collection.