Samuel Maclure (1860-1929) was originally a telegrapher and became one of British Columbia's most gifted architects who paid attention to every detail. Working mainly in Vancouver and Victoria, he specialized in high quality homes, known for their originality, many of which are still in use today.

One of his major achievements was Hatley Park, just outside Victoria on Vancouver Island, built for the Dunsmuir family. Like other homes he designed, it is now a heritage site. It later housed Royal Roads Military College and since 1995 Royal Roads University. Dunsmuir, who was then British Columbia's Lieutenant-Governor, instructed Maclure "It doesn't matter what it costs, just build me what I want". He got a Tudor-style castle with formal gardens on over 500 acres, sufficient to entertain in grand style.

His landscaping talents were also regarded as the best available. Mrs Butchart consulted him about the garden she planned for her quarry, now world famous Butchart Gardens. He shared the project to build Government House with another celebrated architect F.M. Rattenbury, and designed the gardens that provide another garden tourist attraction in Victoria.

Maclure's family history and life were fascinating. He was known to be kind, extremely generous, easy to get along with and able to put difficult customers at ease. Bingham has done her research well and this is a delightful book filled with interesting information. However, it will not appeal to the masses, but mostly to readers who know the area, the houses, or are interested in design or the history of British Columbia. ( )