J. Castell Hopkins
Published: 2016-06-21
Total Pages: 510
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Excerpt from The Canadian Album, Vol. 5: Encyclopedia Canada or the Progress of a Nation in Religion, Patriotism, Business, Law, Medicine, Education and Agriculture, Containing Facts and Faces of Some of Canada's Businessmen, Statesmen, Farmers, Men of the Learned Professions, and Officers; With It is with very great pleasure that Volume V. of The Canadian Album is now introduced. The former numbers of this art work are so widely and favorably known throughout the Dominion that the present issue will undoubtedly receive a very generous greeting. Considerably less than six years ago this prodigious undertaking was launched as one of the greatest art biographical works ever attempted by European or American publishers. Since then the conquering, of vast difficulties, the constant toil of able hands and minds, and the expenditure of over one hundred thousand dollars, have resulted in giving to the world an aggregation of faces and facts which will become increasingly interesting and valuable as the years roll on. It is safe to say that few other works, irrespective of their nature, have in more marked degree called forth the patriotism of the Canadian people. The beauty and utility of the enterprise have been not only admired by them, but so practically appreciated that a large circulation has been effected, carrying in its sweep the power to further strengthen the bond of union existing between our various provinces. Like previous volumes, the scope of this number is not limited to any special part of the provinces, or section of the Dominion, thus affording greater variety and wider information than if confined to narrower limits. The importance of Volume V.is greatly enhanced by the encyclopedic feature which it contains in the way of descriptive sketches written from information furnished by distinguished national or local authorities, and covering the principal places touched by it. In these days of pen pictures, this striking innovation upon the original plan of The Canadian Album, without increase of cost to its patrons, will be heartily appreciated by the many who are interested in its advent and circulation. These historic pages are more than ordinarily important on account of being found in this work, a fact which guarantees their preservation for centuries to come. Another commendable element in the production of the different volumes issued is the uniformity in the quality of the material used and the workmanship displayed. From first to last no attempt to save expense is apparent, nor is there any noticeable neglect in maintaining the high standard of excellence promised in the execution of the first number. In all probability this is the last volume of the present series, it being the intention of the publishers to enlarge and perfect present numbers as fast as new additions are required. The first four numbers bear the name of the distinguished author and editor, Rev. Wm. Cochrane, D. D., to whose prestige much of the success of the enterprise is due. Owing to greatly increased demands on his time, and in consideration of the more laborious work of editing the enlarged matter of the closing number, he, while not withdrawing his sympathy and influence, desired the completion of the series to be transferred to other hands. In taking his place, therefore, and presenting this Volume to the Canadian public, I can only express the hope and expectation that it will have the cordial and earnest reception which its great value, and the enterprise of its publishers, so thoroughly deserve. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com