VANCOUVER — There’s a brand-new book out about the history of trucking in this country, and it’s a beaut.

Written by historian and author Daniel Francis, this 200-plus-page glossy coffee-table item is worth buying just because it looks so great, never mind that it’s a vividly written account of some of this country’s most dramatic transportation developments.

According to the publisher www.harbourpublishing.com “Trucking In British Columbia: An Illustrated History” is the “first book to trace the route of the truck, from the time of horses and donkeys to the 18 wheelers and b-trains, from dirt lanes to paved highways.”

“BC’s early truckers were a brave bunch. This was an era when trips were measured in days, not hours. (It could take four days to drive from Vancouver to the Okanagan.). Engines and tires regularly burst into flames, roads often crumbled underfoot and doors were optional but a strong pair of arms weren’t.”

This book is a good read and what’s more, the 280 previously unpublished photos are worth the price of admission. It’d make a great Christmas gift. (It’s not too early, is it?)

And although the book might be a BC product (it was published in recognition of that province’s trucking industry’s 100th birthday.) we figure anybody who loves trucks, history, photographs or good yarns will love it, no matter where they live.

We at Today’s Trucking liked the book so much that we included an excerpt in our special 25th anniversary issue of Today’s Trucking in August.

For more information on this one-of-a-kind book, check with www.harbourpublishing.com