<p> What binds together Louis Riel’s former secretary, a railroad inventor, a Montreal comedienne, an early proponent of Canada’s juvenile system and a prominent Canadian architect? Socialists, suffragists, musicians, artists—from 1898 to 1948, these and some 550 other individual Canadian Bahá’ís helped create a movement described as the second most widespread religion in the world. </p> <p> Using diaries, memoirs, official reports, private correspondence, newspapers, archives and interviews, Will C. van den Hoonaard has created the first historical account of Bahá’ís in Canada. In addition, <i>The Origins of the Bahá’í Community of Canada, 1898-1948</i> clearly depicts the dynamics and the struggles of a new religion in a new country. </p> <p> This is a story of modern spiritual heroes—people who changed the lives of others through their devotion to the Bahá’í ideals, in particular to the belief that the earth is one country and <i>all</i> of humankind are its citizens. </p> <p> Thirty-nine original photographs effectively depict persons and events influencing the growth of the Bahá’í movement in Canada. </p> <p> <i>The Origins of the Bahá’í Community of Canada, 1898-1948</i> makes an original contribution to religious history in Canada and provides a major sociological reference tool, as well as a narrative history that can be used by scholars and Bahá’ís alike for many years to come. </p>