Building for Democracy

Legislative buildings are the most important public structures in the provincial capitals of Halifax, Charlottetown and Fredericton. Each was built to communicate ideals, ideas and arrangements of government unique to these three provinces. In Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, these buildings were built to house colonial governments where a popular assembly was matched with an appointed council of local notables, advising an all-powerful governor appointed by Westminister and representing the British crown. Over the years they have been modified as the structure of provincial governments have changed to a single elected legislative assembly with full provincial powers. Fredericton's legislature, built in 1882, is a bold and beautiful building with unmatched interior features.This book tells the fascinating story of why each building was designed as it was, and the styles and ideas their designers drew upon. Author James Macnutt takes the reader on a tour of all three buildings, with text and visuals highlighting their many features and details.

Engaging and readable, this book will appeal to the general public and students. It includes a helpful glossary of architectural terms, floor plans and elevations by Philip Jefferson, and an extensive bibliography and index.

"The organization of the book is straightforward and logical, with a general introduction followed by three chapters devoted to the legislative buildings in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island...a helpful and well-illustrated guide that will be useful as a starting point for further discussions about built form and symbolic associations."