HOCKEY: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY. Wilkins, Charles. Edited by Dan Diamond. Toronto, Doubleday, c1985. 192pp, paperbound boards, $24.95, ISBN 0-385-23329-9. CIP Grades 3 and up Reviewed by Michael Freeman Volume 14 Number 1 1986 January This magnificent volume, the definitive hockey coffee-table book, should prop up many a Christmas tree. The incredible sequence of photographs, dating from the beginnings of the sport in the 1890s to the Gretzky era, capture forever the key men and moments of Canada's true national game, lacrosse notwithstanding. The cream of the photo crop, "the result of the most comprehensive survey of hockey photography ever conducted,"according to the editor, includes all the classics: Eddie Shore shaking hands with Ace Bailey, Bill Barilko's final cup-winning goal, the fiery glare of Rocket Richard. Distant memories will be conjured up in the minds of all middle-aged adults who spent the Saturday nights of their youth with their ears glued to the oversized radio, straining to catch Foster Hewitt's every word. And yet the modern era is by no means ignored. The accomplisments of Howe, Beliveau, Clarke, Dryden, Lafleur, and Gretzky are all given their proper due. The only quibble might come from the hard-core statisticians, who will resent the complete lack of chronological records. But they too must keep in mind that this is a record of personalities, of memories, of glorious feats long past, but never forgotten. Above all this book presents a positive image of the sport of hockey, an image essential in this era of inflated salaries and diluted talent. Recommended for hockey fans of all ages. Michael Freeman, Bathurst Heights S.S., North York, Ont.