FOOTSTEPS ON OLD FLOORS: TRUE TALES OF MYSTERY ON LAND AND SEA. Raddall, Thomas H. Porters Lake (N.S.). Pottersfield Press. 1988. 221pp, paper. $10.95. ISBN 0-919001-47-5. CIP Grades 9 and up Reviewed by Adele Case Volume 16 Number 5 1988 September The prefatory note tells us that each of the stories in this collection has some basis in Nova Scotia. The grouping of the stories also points to the lengthy history of this maritime province, its strong connection with the sea and shipping, its native roots, and the remarkable individuality and independence of some of the characters who make up the Nova Scotia mosaic. The anthology dates from the 1760s through the following two centuries and ends with the death of the raconteur/lecturer/writer Grey Owl in 1935. As Raddall notes, truth can be stranger than fiction, and this group of stories shows us not only the energy and patience of the people whose lives he explored, but also the darker side of human nature, where jealousy, greed and prevarication might be allied with decent qualities. Would that other provinces had a Raddall to patiently sift through old graveyards, as well as old newspaper clippings, to give us insight into more of the interesting folk who made up the pioneer history of the provinces. This book is well balanced, as Raddall wisely includes tales of early seamen, immigrant characters and a Micmac who discovered gold but who, because of his own simplicity and lack of education, was unable to claim officially and show ownership of his "find." This small anthology should have wide readership among the many in this land who enjoy true Stories about those who formed the fabric of Canada. Adele Case, Britannia Secondary School, Vancouver, B.C.