Alberta is distinctive both for its awe-inspiring natural wonders and its fascinating history, and from the earliest footprints of human settlement to today's dynamic society, Alberta has captivated countless generations who have visited or settled in this remarkable province. This book covers 12,000 years of its history. To celebrate Alberta's centennial, the University of Alberta Press and the University of Calgary Press are proud to introduce Alberta Formed - Alberta Transformed, a two - volume set spanning a remarkable 12,000 years of history and showcasing the work of thirty - four of Alberta's most respected scholars.

Volume 1 sets the stage, from human beginnings in Alberta to the eve of Alberta's inauguration as a province in 1905, while Volume 2 takes readers through the twentieth century and up to the 2005 centennial. Edited by provincial historian Michael Payne, along with Donald Wetherell and Catherine Cavanaugh, Alberta Formed - Alberta Transformed consists of thirty distinctive and richly illustrated essays representing a wide range of voices and points of view.

Moving beyond straightforward commemorative history, Alberta Formed - Alberta Transformed tackles contentious issues and questions previous, more conventional approaches and assumptions. Each essay represents a snapshot in time, focusing on a person, a trend, or an event that has played a significant part in shaping the vibrant, often surprising and sometimes raucous, story of Alberta.