The Asian economic crisis of 1997 crippled real estate development in Bangkok, but it also provided unexpected opportunities for some of Thailand’s poorest people—and their elephants.

The resource towns along the west coast of Canada— those that have survived, and those that haven't— tell a story of land's end, as a place and as a possibility.

A selection of sourced images from Jonah Samson's book, "Yes Yes We're Magicians," the title of which is taken from a passage of Samuel Beckett's absurdist play, "Waiting for Godot."