THE BEST OF GRANT MACEWAN Grant MacEwan. Edited by R. H. Macdonald. Saskatoon, Western Producer Prairie Books, c1982. 189pp, cloth, $16.95. ISBN 0-88833-091-X. Grades 8 and up. Reviewed by Frank Karas. Volume 11 Number 2. 1983 March. No one has been more prolific in capturing and presenting the history of western Canada than Grant MacEwan. This compilation of twenty-eight excerpts taken from his popular and historical writings have been selected and edited by a friend and collaborator in honour of this distinguished Canadian's eightieth birthday. The range of selections exemplifies the breadth and variety of subject matter of which he has written. These include biographical sketches, historical episodes, and general descriptions of life and work in western Canada during the nineteenth and twentieth century. There is no specific chronological order to the excerpts. Each selection begins with a brief summary of the work from which the excerpt has been chosen. The excellent introduction serves as a fine testimonial to this great Canadian. Included are a table of contents, a most inadequate and limited index, together with a section of footnotes for each selection. As a research tool for students this book has its limitations because of its organization. Nonetheless, it provides the reader a taste of the Canadian West as it really was, and in all of its diversity. For schools who do not have MacEwan's works, this is a fine tribute and outstanding representation of his writing. Recommended, with reservations. Frank Karas, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary, AB.