The Parliament Buildings

by Malak

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1552631141
• ISBN13: 9781552631140
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Key Porter Books
• Length: 89 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Ins & Outs of an Incredible Building

Malak does a good job of capturing the essence of one of the most remarkable buildings in the world, Canada's Parliament in Ottawa. I've been impressed by some of the great cathedrals of Europe, but while their architecture is spectacular, it is also narrowly focused. Parliament is truly a wonder to behold. If you approach from the east, you'll pass the Château Laurier, and probably stop dead in your tracks as you are awed by its beauty. In any other city, the Château could easily be the architectural highlight of your tour. But, as you continue up the sidewalk and Parliament comes in sight, you'll instantly forget the hotel and be struck by the beauty, the power, and the majestic strength that Parliament conveys. If you truly appreciate architecture, you will spend hours exploring and enjoying every aspect of its neo-Gothic façade. Ahh, but that's just the beginning. Go inside for a tour, and be prepared for a sumptuous visual feast. Every room, every corner, every nook and cranny, is filled with incredible details. "Ordinary", "plain", and "unadorned", simply don't live in this building. You don't get the feeling of overkill, as you do in some European castles and manors. But you do feel a strong sense of envy for the folks who get to come and work there everyday. I've toured there at least 20 times, and every time saw things I'd never noticed before. Which brings us to the book. Doing justice to Parliament would be a challenge for the best of photographers, and Malak rises to the occasion. He hits the highlights of both the inside and outside, capturing most of the spots I found most interesting. He is a highly skilled photographer, using light and shadow to best effect. He picks out enough of the detail work to let you understand that there is much more to be seen. There are only a couple of areas where I think he missed the mark. First, he does a good job capturing the feel of the exterior, but doesn't quite convey how stark and evocative the stonework can be. In fairness, I'm not sure anyone less skilled than Ansel Adams or Richard Nickels could truly do it justice. Second, one highlight of the canned tour is an elevator ride to the top of the Peace Tower. The book gives us one tight shot of the carillon bells, but nothing that mirrors the full spectacle of the tower top or the view you get while there. Finally, he recycles several photos from his other book, "Ottawa and the National Capital Region". I truly hate to buy two books, and end up with duplicate pictures. Minor problems aside, if there's a better photo essay of the Canadian Parliament, I haven't seen it. If you've taken the tour, buy the book. If not, do yourself a favour, and head to Ottawa and visit Parliament. Then buy the book. You'll be glad you did!