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Government House: The Ceremonial Home of All British Columbians goes behind the scenes for a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of British Columbia's Government House.

Built in the 1860s, almost completely destroyed by fire in 1899 and again in 1957, Government House has twice more risen on the same site. Though the present building is comparatively young, it and the grounds that surround it represent a long and distinguished tradition. They were declared a National Historic Site in 2003.

In keeping with the House's new status, this book pays tribute to its long history and the role of its primary resident, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Each former incarnation of the House is described as is the current magnificent building, from its hand-hewn-stone exterior, to the grandeur of its Great Hall, to the opulence of the Royal Suite. The world-class gardens, overseen in part by legions of volunteers, are also detailed and abundantly illustrated.

The House is a fitting home for the province's Lieutenant Governor, and a home away from home for visiting dignitaries and royalty. But it is much more. Hosting everyone from children in Halloween costumes to homeless people, it has become the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. And at more than a hundred events each year, the Lieutenant Governor welcomes B.C. visitors and recognizes the extraordinary contributions that ordinary British Columbians have made to their province. Filled with anecdote and description, and richly illustrated with historic and contemporary photographs, this book reveals the life and times of British Columbia's Government House, its gardens and grounds, and the events that truly make this House a home to British Columbia and the world.

History • 124 pp • 10 x 11
ISBN 13 978-1-55039-159-6, ISBN 10 1-55039-159-3 • hardcover • $39.95
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