Hamilton: Brutal Beauty|Hidden Heritage

infrastructure • resilience • sustainability
An alternative exploration guide to Hamilton, Ontario

Purchase your copy of the book:

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Click here for ordering by mail and other options.

The book is also available through Amazon, and the following retailers:

Bryan Prince Bookseller,
1060 King St W
Mixed Media, 154 James St N
James North General Store, 61 James St N
The Hamilton Store, 165 James St N

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Latest News:

Hamilton: Brutal Beauty, Hidden Heritage Bike Tour #1 is Saturday, September 27 at 1:30pm.

Thanks to Joy Jones for a great endorsement in Raise the Hammer... "This book is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of Hamilton's developments and for giving context to local newspaper articles on current issues." (Dec. 30, 2013)

Hamilton Magazine calls Hamilton: Brutal Beauty, Hidden Heritage ... "a fascinating compendium of Hamilton's past, present, and future." (Summer, 2013 Edition)

The Flamborough Review reveals the author's provocative motivations behind this project in a June 27, 2013 article.

Synopsis:

People are looking for different kinds of travel experiences, whether just for a few hours, a day trip, or as part of a longer excursion. Local citizens should also be aware of the unique exploration opportunities that exist just beyond their own backyards. Increasingly, people desire experiences that are local, encompassing shopping, eating, learning, exploring, cultural awareness and awakening. This type of exploration is called "urban green tourism." Businesses are waking up to this new trend as well. Once overlooked areas are being revitalized as new residents and businesses move in, seeing the future value of investing there.

This book by Ian Dunlop, a graduate of the Local Economic Development program at the University of Waterloo, is a timely undertaking for Hamilton. Many cities are now promoting their sustainable development initiatives, renewal opportunities, established neighbourhoods, arts & culture, heritage, natural and environmental features, to visitors and residents alike. Dunlop also explains that the book is also a deeply personal exploration of the city touching on all of these themes, which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The book's 108 full-colour pages are packed with photos, maps, history and stories about Hamilton and the communities within it.

The tagline "Brutal Beauty | Hidden Heritage" encompasses the main themes of urban green tourism in the city. Brutal Beauty refers to the industrial landscape and infrastructure in harmony with the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and rural countryside. Hidden Heritage refers to the built and cultural history of the city, alongside the natural environment waiting to be rediscovered.

Related Articles:

Project Background

Hamilton's Community Profile

Preview Pages - Look inside the Book

Links and Additional Resources