In 1960 Old Montreal was an abandoned and rapidly deteriorating section of the city. With the growth of the restoration movement the external appearance of many Old Montreal buildings was radically altered. McLean was the first person to restore a house in Old Montreal as a private residence and he describes how extra stories were removed, pitched roofs reappeared, facades were cleaned and re-adjusted, and greater discretion exercised in the use of signs. Wilson has watched this evolution with passionate interest and, through his evocative drawings, presents an intimate portrait of the architecture of the area. The Living Past of Montreal was first published in 1964 and revised in 1976. This third edition contains many of the original illustrations in addition to twenty new drawings which reflect the changes that have taken place up to the present day.

Eric McLean's profile page

R.D. Wilson's profile page

"It is the quality of the commentary and illustrations that distinguishes this publication from any other guidebook. The special bonus is, however, the recounting of Montreal's experience in the realm of urban conservation and renewal during a period of brutal urban change in North America." David B. Hanna, American Review of Canadian Studies. "The book provides a different and informative guide for anyone visiting Montreal but it has importance, too, as an account of an area where preservation and restoration have taken place." Halifax Mail Star. "McLean's text forms a well-written, low-key accompaniment, supplementing and explaining the outstanding drawings which form the heart of the book." Pacific Historian.