This book illustrates to anyone who didn't experience the Ice Storm first hand exactly what it looked and felt like. The photographs show the vast distruction of trees and hydro lines; farm animals and wildlife. The text tells in detail some of the personal stories of the ordeal. The photographs will keep the memory of the events alive for many years to come.

That was the question I asked my wife when I opened the front door to check for a newspaper on Monday, January 5, 1998. The steady drizzle was obviously turning icy and, having gone through this before on many occasions, I knew any trip down the front steps was going to be an adventure in keeping one's footing. Little did I realize what was to come.

This "Historic Record In Photographs Of January 1998" with text by Mark Abley tells the whole story of that fateful storm which was simultaneously beautiful ... and deadly. Not to mention hugely expensive.

The collected colour photographs in this large-size volume [30cm wide x 23.5cm] are absolutely amazing, from ice-covered, downed trees, snapped hydro poles, collapsed hydro towers, frozen, stalled vehicles, to dead cattle, each tells a story.

And if and when I find myself complaining about the oppresive humid heat of an Ottawa summer day, I just haul this out to quickly remind myself how much worse the winters can be.

Anyone who lived through it should have a copy. For those of you who live in tropical climes - it's a wonderful incentive to stay put.