In a thorough exploration of Canada's book industry, Ultra Libris provides a historical backdrop to understand modern events in book publishing. From the Massey Commission (1952) and the Ontario Royal Commission on Book Publishing (1971-72) to the explosion of national book publishing in the 1970s and the industry-government sparring over the next 30 years, Lorimer elucidates the necessary conditions for Canadian authors to thrive and for book publishers to contribute to Canadian culture.