EMPORIUM OF THE NORTH: FORT CHIPEWYAN AND THE FUR TRADE TO 1835. Parker, James. Regina. Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism/Canadian Plains Research Center. 1987. 208pp, paper. $15.00. ISBN 0-8S977-0441. CIP Grades 10 and up Reviewed by D. Adrian Volume 16 Number 5 1988 September This is a social and economic study of the fur trade during the period from 1778 to 1835 in the Lake Athabaska region with Fort Chipewyan as its focus. The text is a series of interlocking footnotes chiefly from primary sources. Emporium of the North is concise, readable, well organized and factual. Chapter headings include "The Forts: The Location and Structures," "The Problems of Transportation and Provision Supply." "The Fort and the Men Who Served It," "The Indians, Fort Chipewyan and the Methods of Trade" and "Making the Athabaska Pay: The Economics of a District Depot." There is much useful information about the fur trade, Fort Chipewyan and the life-styles of the traders. Emporium of the North provides a fascinating economic portrait of the North West Company, the Hudson's Bay Company and the XY Company in the Lake Athabaska area. Tables show wage scales, returns and profits, and the numbers and values of furs traded in the region. There are illustrations (many archival) maps, scholarly notes, an appendix, selected bibliography and a name and geographical index. It is unfortunate that some of the maps are on two pages and are difficult to use because of the binding. Recommended for use in Canadian history and economics courses at the senior high school level. D. Adrian, Laurenval School Board, Rosemere, Que.