Chinatown

Explore the rich history of Canada's Chinatowns in this extensively illustrated book

Canada's Chinese community found its roots in the late nineteenth century, when many Chinese left their overcrowded homeland in search of opportunity in Canada. But they faced daunting challenges when they arrived -- including poverty, racism, and prohibitions on family members coming to join them.
In this book, extensively illustrated with contemporary and archival images, author Paul Yee tells the stories of eight Canadian Chinatowns -- Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax -- and explores the unique culture and heritage of each. He outlines the challenges that Chinatowns have overcome in the face of urban redevelopment and profiles the many ways Chinese Canadians dealt with the hostility they encountered from their fellow citizens. Chinese artists, politicians, and other intriguing personalities also make appearances throughout this rich narrative.
Chinatown is an eye-opening account of how a group targeted for racist treatment for decades was able to overcome daunting obstacles and make room for themselves in Canadian society.

"Fascinating...Yee tells a terrible tale of racism in the 1900s."

"A tribute to the Chinese-Canadians who've preserved and invigorated the core of Canadian cities."