PARK PRISONERS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF WESTERN CANADA'S NATIONAL PARKS, 1915-1946.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Fifth House, 1995. 294 pp, 10" H. B&w photographs, maps. "Between 1915 and 1946, some ten thousand men were put to work in western Canada's national parks. They were the country's unwanted - unskilled foreign workers, the jobless and the homeless, conscientious objectors, perceived enemies of the state, and prisoners of war. These men had committed no crimes, but because of war or depression, they were seen as a possible threat to public order and a potential source of civil unrest. The Canadian government consequently sent them to the parks - world-renowned places such as Banff, Jasper, and Yoho - where they were held under duress in isolated work camps for months, sometimes years. (This) is the first comprehensive, illustrated history of the national park labour camp story, examining where and when the various groups were interned and how they were treated and employed. It also describes their significant contributions to the built environment of the parks - including many of the heritage buildings - at a time when such development would not normally have been undertaken." Book is Near Fine. Dust jacket gas a tiny scuff/dent on rear panel, tiny light scuff at top of rear flap-fold.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Very Good+.