Matthew Farfan

In 2002, the ecologist-photographer team of Marie-Josée Auclair and Paul Laramée released their new book, Les Quatres Saisons des Cantons de l'Est, which was published by Les Éditions du Trécarré. The book was such a success that last year it was re-issued in English by Price-Patterson.

Titled (in English) Four Seasons in the Eastern Townships, the book is lavishly illustrated with magnificent colour photography from all across the Eastern Townships and during different seasons of year. It makes a splendid coffee-table book, and provides some interesting and informative reading, as well.

The authors divide the book into chapters. Chapter 1 gives us an overview of the region's geology, natural landscape, history, culture, and architectural heritage. The following four chapters focus in turn on each of the four seasons, and each is magnificently illustrated with appropriate seasonal imagery.

The research and photography for this book were completed over a period of several years and involved countless trips to the many faraway corners of the Eastern Townships, from Brome-Missisquoi in the west to Megantic in the east.

There are common threads throughout the book: the splendour of the natural landscape; the richness of the region's history and architecture; and the pleasures of life in this corner of the world that the authors call "blessed" and "unique." The text is light, entertaining, and written for a general readership. The photography is masterful and speaks for itself. A convenient map allows readers to orient themselves while they are reading.

Four Seasons in the Eastern Townships was obviously a labour of love for its authors. It is an excellent general reference book, and a must for anyone who loves this enchanting region.

Available in hardcover, Four Seasons in the Eastern Townships is 152 pages, with color photographs, a map, a table of contents, and a bibliography. Copies may be ordered directly from the publishers at: Price-Patterson Ltd., 310 Victoria Ave., Suite 105, Westmount, Qc, H3Z 2M9. Price (including shipping within Canada and GST) is $49.17. An additional charge of $4.28 applies to orders from outside Canada.

Consult the publishers' website at: www.pricepatterson.com. Copies of the book may also be purchased at the following locations: Brome Lake Books (Knowlton); the Golden Book (Sutton); Archambault ( Sherbrooke); Bishop's University Bookstore (Lennoxville); and Townshippers' Association (Cowansville and Lennoxville).