To many people, Alberta represents the true Canadian frontier. It is known for its rugged image, its "wild west" past and its staunchly independent residents, from the First Nations who originally inhabited the land to the explorers, homesteaders, cowboys, oilmen and others who continued to build and shape the province. This engaging book uses more than 150 photographs, dating from the 18th century through to the 1940s, and illuminating text to document Alberta's transformation from frontier society to economic powerhouse.