Fall books from Harbour Publishing!
Harbour Publishing is proud to present our Fall 2025 list, offering memoir, history, humor, and artistic inspiration.
John Horgan: In His Own Words by John Horgan, with Rod Mickleburgh
The public outpouring of emotion at the time of John Horgan’s death in 2024 surprised few who had come to know him well. The tributes to BC’s most popular premier reflected a man whose multifaceted character won admiration that deepened over time—someone both bold and unassuming, driven by principle but flexible enough to welcome ideas from across the political spectrum. In the wake of the loss comes the unmistakable voice of Horgan himself, in this candid, piercing, often funny memoir. Here, he reveals the path that transformed him from the wayward figure of his youth—the son of “an Irish scrapper”—to the first two-term NDP premier in BC history.
Coastal Connections: A History of British Columbia Ferries and Passenger Ships by Derek Hayes
From early paddle-wheelers like the S.S. Beaver to the latest high-speed catamaran, ferries and passenger vessels have always been central to the lives and livelihoods of British Columbians, connecting Vancouver Island, hundreds of smaller islands and a rugged mainland coastline to the rest of the province. This history culminated in the creation of BC Ferries, whose vessels today serve every part of coastal BC. Illustrated with hundreds of archival and modern photographs, artworks and ephemera, the book is a visual treat for anyone interested in the coastal history of British Columbia, the BC Ferries fleet and its operations.
Fishes of the Strait of Georgia: More than 240 Life Histories by Dick Beamish & Jeff Marliave
From two of the greatest living experts on the subject comes the most comprehensive account ever published of the astonishing array of fishes that inhabit or migrate through the Strait of Georgia. British Columbia's magnificent inland sea is home to over two hundred species ranging from the miniscule pencilsmelt to the gargantuan basking shark. This book explores the remarkable life histories, the physical characteristics, the social and economic importance and the ecological place of not just the well-known fish but each of 243 incredibly diverse species that frequent the strait.
Sound Like a Sailor: The Book of Nautical Expressions by R. Bruce Macdonald
A dictionary of terms and phrases with nautical origins.
Lifelong sailor Bruce Macdonald knows a thing or two about the language of the sea and, in Sound Like a Sailor, he catalogues nautical terms and idioms that are used in the common vernacular. Delving deep into the colourful history behind each word or phrase, this alphabetical reference will help readers understand the maritime origins of our most ubiquitous expressions.
Boom Times in Chilliwack: Memories from the Post-war Years by Merlin Bunt
What began as a steamboat landing on the Fraser River, in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō Nation, became a pioneer settlement in the 1860s. Today, Chilliwack is a thriving agricultural hub with a population in excess of 100,000. The more the city grows so too does local interest in its history, coupled with a move to preserve what is left of the community’s past and its heritage. Boom Times in Chilliwack chronicles the entertaining tales that come with rapid change, and captures the developments and the economic optimism of the 1950s and 1960s that laid the groundwork for the Chilliwack of today.
Developing Glazes: Low-Fire Reduction and Oxidation by Mary Fox
Many potters find the glazing process difficult, if not downright intimidating. And with the prevalence of ready-made glazes, potters often overlook the exceptional results that can be achieved by experimenting with minerals and clay slips. Mary Fox takes readers on an exploration of unique glaze materials, providing step-by-step instructions and demonstrating how to bring a creative and adventurous attitude to the process.
Inspired: A Roy Henry Vickers Colouring Book by Roy Henry Vickers
Roy Henry Vickers is celebrated for his vibrant fusion of traditional motifs with contemporary style. His art reflects the stories and spirit of the natural world, from soaring eagles to tranquil rivers and majestic landscapes. Unwind and explore your creative side while enjoying the beauty of the Northwest Coast with Inspired, featuring 42 pages to colour—with pieces ranging from simple and relaxing to detailed and challenging—all adapted from the renowned artist’s most iconic works.
The Canada Handbook by Adrian Raeside
Touching on wilderness survival, civics lessons and everything in between, The Canada Handbook is packed with sharp observations and laugh-out-loud cartoons that celebrate what makes this country uniquely Canadian. Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong Canuck, Adrian Raeside’s witty take on life north of the 49th parallel is sure to make you chuckle—and maybe even feel a little prouder to be Canadian.
The Time of Falling Apart: Poems by Wendy Donawa
In a voice that shifts from ironic and quirky to contemplative and speculative, The Time of Falling Apart follows the poet through the inevitable passage of memory and time, and a search for meaning in a world rife with injustice. Elegiac, meditative and unwaveringly kind, this collection is for anyone who has felt unable to reconcile the implacable passing of time, but determined to recognize love and beauty wherever they may be found.
Emerson the Elephant Seal, Written and Illustrated by Ginger Ngo
A colourful, imagination-filled picture book based on the true story of Emerson the elephant seal. Emerson, a two-year-old juvenile elephant seal, keeps turning up in Victoria, BC, despite the best efforts of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans staff. Undeterred by several efforts to relocate him, Emerson returned again and again to Victoria’s beaches and roads. But what exactly brought Emerson back? While wildlife officials have their theories, Ginger Ngo explores the capital through the eyes of Emerson in a way that will have Victoria’s youngest residents and visitors laughing out loud.