From its beginnings asa small, courthouse town in 1816 to it present-day status as Canada's "Steel City", Hamilton's history is rich and varied.
McMaster University historian John Weaver traces the town's evolution from frontier outpost to booming port, traces its emergence as a railway and commercial centre in the 1850s and 1860s, follows its blossoming as a diversified manufacturing centre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and tracks its economic development in the post-World War Two period. Throughout he is careful to chart the fluctuating struggle between business and labour to influence the city's economic and social growth.
Complemented with more than 100 historical photographs, Hamilton: An Illustrated History is the first comprehensive history of this dynamic city, its peoples and institutions.

Bill Freeman is an award-winning author who has written historical fiction for young adults, film scripts, documentaries, theatrical plays, educational videos, and non-fiction books. He specializes in writing about Canada and the Canadian experience.

In the 1960s and '70s Bill lived, worked, and studied in Hamilton. The play Glory Days is part of his exploration of the life of the city and its fascinating history. Bill is perhaps best known as the author of novels for young adults set in Canada in the latter part of the nineteenth century called the Bains Series. He is also well known for his books of popular history. His most recent work, Hamilton: A Peopleâ??s History, surveys the cityâ??s often turbulent history. Many of his books have received high critical acclaim and a number of awards. In recent years Bill has worked in the film industry as a writer and historical consultant. He has been on the creative team of many film projects as writer, narrator, and consultant. The projects include a science series for high school students and Mighty Machines II, a made-for-television project for preschool children. Bill Freeman lives on Toronto Island with his partner Paulette.

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