Over the past few years, we’ve experienced a series of fairly significant anniversaries in Vancouver. The 125th anniversary of Vancouver last year stands out of course, but there have been others marked with fanfare, like the 100th anniversary the William Harbeck film in 2007, which was also the 100th anniversary of Purdy’s Chocolates. Don’t forget there was the PNE’s 100th anniversary in 2010, the 40th anniversary of the Canucks, followed by the 25th anniversary of Expo 86 last year. Earlier this year, the Vancouver Sun celebrated their 100th anniversary, and just last month Heritage Vancouver commemorated the 40th anniversary of Howard Hughes’s visit to the Bayshore. With all this anniversary fever, I’d like to point your attention to an upcoming book launch that marks it’s own significant anniversary.

Michael Kluckner‘s Vanishing Vancouver: The Last 25 Years is an entirely new book scheduled to be released on April 30th, 2012 by Whitecap Books. The first edition of this book was published in 1990, and this new edition will take a look back at Vancouver’s disappearing landmarks over the past 25 years. This captures the city’s contemporary history post-Expo 86, and Michael states on his website that only about 20% of the text and illustrations refer back to the original edition published in 1990. That 80% new material translates to over 200 new illustrations, which I can assure you, are loaded with insight, expertise, and artistry.

There are a host of events relating to this book launch scheduled for the month of May which I highly recommend you consider adding to your agenda:

• Thursday, May 3rd, 7 pm: book launch party at the People’s Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive, 604-253-6442.
• Wednesday, May 16th, 7:30 pm: illustrated lecture, “The Evolution of the Vancouver House” at the Unitarian Church Hall, 49th and Oak. Tickets are available in advance through the Vancouver Heritage Foundation for $12. There may be tickets available at the door if the event doesn’t sell out, but I suspect that it might; I recommend getting your tickets in advance. Note this is the pre-tour lecture for the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s annual heritage house tour.
• Thursday, May 24th, 7:30 pm: illustrated lecture on the book for the Vancouver Historical Society at the Museum of Vancouver, free.
• Saturday, May 26th, 1-3 pm: book signing at Hager Books, 2176 West 41st, 604-263-9412.

To give a taste of the book, Michael gives a preview of the book on his website, but I highly recommend checking out this edition in person. I think you’ll find this is yet another must-have Vancouver title to add to your library.