Yousuf Karsh & John Fisher see Canada, Thomas Allen Limited – Carl Dair, 1960

This was considered an important book in 1960 as the text on the dust jacket makes quite clear; “This book is unique in that it brings a portrait of Canada as seen through the eyes and lens of Canada’s greatest photographer, Yousuf Karsh, together with the rich verbal description of Canada’s greatest publicist, John Fisher. Over 150 photographs accompany the text, which is set in large, legible type.” The book was a high-profile project that involved a world-renowned photographer, a celebrated writer, and the entire country. To ensure that everyone received equal billing designer Carl Dair chose a strong type treatment set within the design of the three coloured bands of the Hudson Bay Company blanket.

The mention that the book is set in large legible type is curious as the type is 10 point Pilgrim with 5 points of leading (10/15), a fairly standard type size for a book, although the leading is somewhat generous. In all likelihood Dair used the extra leading to ‘drive-out’ the number of pages because of a shortage of copy, and to improve readability. It is telling that a major book, published in 1960 and celebrating Canada, was printed and bound in England. – Rod McDonald