CANADA'S NORTH: THE REFERENCE MANUAL Ottawa, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, c1983. Distributed by Canadian Government Publishing Centre. various pagings in 3-ring binder, $39.00. ISBN 0-660-11483-6. Grades 11 and up. Reviewed by Fred May. Volume 12 Number 3 1984 May The title of this 146 page publication accurately describes what any reader should expect from this federal government publication. The anonymous authors have not attempted to write an exhaustive book on the North. Instead, each of the twelve sections contains a concise overview of the topic under discussion and provides references for further in-depth reading. The aim was to try to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about the region. While the introduction admits that this is "probably an impossible job," the authors have put together a worthwhile publication that would save anyone researching topic material on the North a lot of time. The division of subject matter follows a fairly standard breakdown of topics of likely interest, such as the physical environment, history, renewable and non-renewable resources, and native issues (including the thorny issue of land claims). Where applicable, statistics from 1980-82 are included, and some sections are further illustrated with high quality black-and-white maps. One of the potentially most valuable aspects of this work is the intention of the government to update it. The manual comes in a loose-leaf format inside a sturdy three-ring binder. Buyers who wish to receive updates can fill out a form putting them on a standing order mailing list. Suggestions for additions and changes are invited. Unlike many other works in geography, economics, politics or sociology, purchasers of this work will, it is hoped, find it as up-to-date a decade from now as it is today. One would hope that the authors might consider future works for Canada's other major regions. Fred May, North Albion C. I., Etobicoke, ON.