The ancestors of the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum began collecting precious objects more than 150 years ago. Now, with some 4,000,000 artifacts and specimens to choose from it is not surprising that the several hundred selected for this book will resonate with many readers. These great objects are a window on our world: the last Red Ensign that flew over Parliament Hill while a fiery debate raged below; the revolver found in the pocket of a man later hanged for the assassination of one of the Fathers of Confederation; a gift that Charles De Gaulle never got; or medals and memorabilia from Canada’s military heroes in various theatres of war.

Among the artifacts featured are outstanding examples of ethnographic regalia, archaeological specimens, as well as objects fashioned from gold, silver, bronze and ivory that would be standouts in any national collection. All of these come from Canada’s largest and most popular museum.

The artifacts are beautifully photographed and vividly explained in brief articles. The life work of these two great museums are also described in the introductory narrative.