A great architect's personal account of conceiving, designing and building the new Canadian War Museum, a homage to the courage of all Canadians.

"It's astonishing," says historian Jack Granatstein of Raymond Moriyama's design for the new Canadian War Museum. "There is a context, there's understanding, there's intelligence...This is the best museum in the whole world. Without question."

In Search of a Soul is revered architect Moriyama's personal account of conceiving and creating this important -- perhaps iconic -- national monument, which opened to great acclaim on May 8, 2005, the sixtieth anniversary of VE Day.

Illustrated throughout with full-colour plans, drawings and photos, it is a compelling story of one architect's commitment to a vision, and to the country that provided his inspiration. "How can architecture reflect the ambience of battle without overpowering the visitor or glorifying war? What is Canadian? What does war mean?" Moriyama explores the difficult questions he wrestled with as the design took shape. In this bold new museum -- and equally bold book -- a great Canadian artist challenges us to address these troubling questions.

Raymond Moriyama is one of Canada's most respected architects. His award-winning firm, Moriyama & Teshima Architects, is renowned for its designs of, among other projects, Ottawa's City Hall and the Ontario Science Centre. Born in Vancouver, Moriyama spent time in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Raymond Moriyama's profile page

Raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Adrienne Clarkson, was appointed Governor General of Canada in 1999 on the recommendation of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. In 2005 she was succeeded by Michaelle Jean. She went on to publish her memoir, Heart Matters, founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and became Colonel-in-Chief of Prince Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Andrienne Clarkson's profile page

"Moriyama takes the reader on a detailed and often emotional journey of this important and lasting project. The book is gratifyingly filled with colour photographs that enhance the detailed and fascinating account of every meticulous step of the building of the museum...Moriyama's experiences, genius and his clear understanding of the importance of his work are carefully detailed in this insightful and fascinating book."

Artscape