In 1873, Henry Scadding, former rector of Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity, wrote the definitive history of early Toronto. His detailed portrait of the streets, customs and prominent citizens is a goldmine of sights and insights into a Toronto long-since disappeared.

Toronto of Old was first reprinted in 1966 and has been out of print since 1973. The later version, edited by Frederick H. Armstrong is shorter than the original, with Scadding’s references to outside cities and characters shortened or omitted to give the book a sharper focus on Toronto. This second edition is an updated and corected version of the 1966 edition.

The best history of Toronto ever written, "Toronto of Old" by Henry Scadding, has just been edited by Professor F.H. Armstrong of the University of Western Ontario … Armstrong’s editing, with his written reasons for a series of cuts, has made it a tighter and more informative book than the original.
- Gordon Sinclair in Let’s Be Personal

In 1873, Henry Scadding, former rector of Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, wrote the definitive history of early Toronto. His detailed portrait of the streets, customs and prominent citizens is a goldmine of sights and insights into a Toronto long-since disappeared.

Toronto of Old was first reprinted in 1966 and has been out of print since 1973. The later version, edited by Frederick H. Armstrong is shorter than the original, with Scadding's references to outside cities and characters shortened or omitted to give the book a sharper focus on Toronto. This second edition is an updated and corected version of the 1966 edition.

Henry Scadding's profile page

Frederick H. Armstrong, a graduate of the University of Toronto, is a Professor of History at the University of Western Ontario, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He is the author or editor of numerous books and studies on Upper Canada including a new edition of Henry Scadding's Toronto of Old; Aspects of Nineteenth Century Ontario; and Toronto: The Place of Meeting. He has been awarded the President's Medal of the University of Western Ontario and the Award of Merit of the American Society for State and Local History.

Frederick H. Armstrong's profile page

"Scadding's book is full of indications of how Toronto was to become itself--required reading for all who have settled beneath the shadow of the CN tower."

Books in Canada

"The author's evocative descriptions of period neighborhoods and acute eye for intriguing anecdotes make Toronto Of Old a fascinating compilation of local lore."

Toronto Star

"Toronto of Old continues to bring the city of the early 1830 to life."

Toronto Sun