THE WINNIPEG BOOK. Wilkins, Charles. Toronto, Key Porter Books, c1984. 230pp, paper, $5.95, ISBN 0-919493-29-7. CIP Grades 5 and up Reviewed by Gerald R. Brown Volume 13 Number 5 1985 September The subtitle, "An irreverent and entertaining look at people, places, entertainment, arts, sporting events, cuisine, politics, parks, walks, flora and fauna that make up this vibrant city," gives the readers a perspective on the scope of this volume. It is truly irreverent, filled with sweeping generalizations and good humour. As Maara Haas points out in her cover annotation, "this is a Monty Python aerial view of Winnipeg written by a skywriter, Wilkins' wit and insight put Winnipeg on the map of human topography." While tourists might find it helpful, homeowners will appreciate the humour, cynicism, and jabs taken at themselves. . The statistics quoted are "relatively" accurate and often used more for amusing than for any comparative purpose. The index is extensive and useful in checking out key institutions. It is a handy source, although addresses and phone numbers change so frequently, that one might do better to use the telephone yellow pages. Charles Wilkins is a full-time writer of fiction, poetry, drama, and journalism. He is the author of six CBC plays, a stage play, and is co-writer and editor of Winnipeg 8 (Queenston, 1982) a book of biographical essays. His poetry and fiction have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. Wilkins lives and works in Winnipeg. Recommended for all school and public libraries. An excellent gift for ex-Winnipegers, and a popular read for locals. It is doubtful that you can find anything else like it on the market that will entertain and inform you at the same time. Gerald R. Brown, Winnipeg School Division No. 1, Winnipeg, Man.