“Following the success of The Molly Fire, Michael Mitchell proves once again that he’s as accomplished a wordsmith as he is photographer. Laced with liberal doses of wit, humour and intelligence, Final Fire chronicles the artist’s many friendships and adventures with exquisite observations woven into every page, and offers glistening reflections of a passionate and creative life fully lived. Here is a must read for anyone wondering what artists do with their lives — and in this case — a very Canadian life.” — Edward Burtynsky, photographer

“Michael Mitchell is that rare cameraman whose writing is as brilliantly descriptive as his images. Reminiscing back and forth across his improbably rich life as a working photographer, Mitchell regards various encounters and episodes with a spirit of astonishment, true irony, and profound humanism. This moving rumination on a life lived through the lens is one of the most rewarding artist’s memoirs I’ve ever read.” — Paul Roth, photography curator and Director, Ryerson Image Centre, Toronto

“This book breathes. Eloquent descriptions of contact with nature alternate with the narration of extremely varied episodes (they range from the hilarious to the profoundly sad) from the author’s life as a professional photographer. The deeply felt writing transfers the author’s private memories into a moving, unique, shareable literature that lives and will continue to live.” — Michael Snow, artist and filmmaker