At Vimy Ridge: Canada's Greatest World War I Victory.

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Throughout my time in this country, I have heard countless references to Vimy Ridge and have developed some awareness of the significant role the First World War battle played in shaping and defining the character of Canada. As a landed immigrant now living in this country, however, I did not grow up hearing the almost reverent manner with which the Canadian’s role at Vimy Ridge is generally discussed. With this being the case, I was excited to have the opportunity to read Hugh Brewster’s new book, At Vimy Ridge. Having read the book, I now have a much greater appreciation of Canada’s achievement in the face of German guns on that fortified French high ground.

Using the same format he employed for his award-winning On Juno Beach, Brewster includes a captivating and highly educative mix of historical photographs, eyewitness and participant accounts, paintings, memorabilia, and his own engaging and informative writing. I suspect that this book will impress even those with a strong knowledge of the events at Vimy and I am sure that those, like me, who enter the reading experience with a lot to learn will consider the time they invest into the book is time extremely well spent.

At Vimy Ridge is a superb and powerful publication. There is a place for it in all Canadian libraries and, I suspect, in all Canadian homes. Highly recommended.