Toronto Star

At first glance, it may look like just another expensive coffee table dust collector, but Old Toronto Houses is a fascinating guided tour of some of the city's most beautiful historic homes captured in all their architectural glory. From the rustic log cabin of early settlers to simple labourers' cottages in Cabbagetown and the majestic mansions of tony Kingsway Park, the book is a portal to the past and a look at the homes and architecture that helped shape the character of the city. Written by Tom Cruickshank and photographed by John de Visser, the 300-page tome is also this year's winner of the Award of Excellence in the print category for the 2004 Heritage Toronto Awards. The book is to be presented to Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, who will deliver the 8th William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture at the awards ceremony Monday. "It's really nice to see that the book is being recognized as more than just a coffee table book; it has substance," said Cruickshank, adding his research and writing "reinforced my appreciation of Toronto and its unique character."