A useful reference for students and general readers.

[Review of 1st Edition], The Canadian Historical Review

Recommended for academic libraries.

[Review of 1st Edition], Choice Reviews

This reference gives the serious scholar as well as the casual visitor to Canada a better appreciation for the uniqueness of this interesting country.

[Review of 1st Edition], American Reference Books Annual

The book will undoubtedly be useful for quick reference.

[Review of 1st Edition], British Journal of Canadian Studies

One part history book, two parts lexicon, this guide defines the people, regions, resources, and events that have shaped Canada since its colonization 500 years ago. To augment the detailed opening time line, Gough (history, Wilfrid Laurier Univ., Ont.) offers an engaging introduction to Canadian history, organizing his essay with chronological subheadings. Alphabetically arranged entries run several paragraphs to several pages in length and offer focused explanations. An appendix lists prime ministers and governors, while a 46-page bibliography presents an expansive range of province-oriented titles. This alone offers a strong survey of Canadian civilization.

Library Journal

At nearly twice the size of the original, well-received 1999 edition, this second edition updates entries and expands the scope and depth of coverage. The volume consists of more than 500 alphabetically ordered and cross-referenced entries on the history, politics, economy, and culture of Canada. Prominent people, locations, events, and organizations are included as well. Historically on the borders of multiple European empires, Canada is now a modern industrialized nation with a prominent role on the world stage. Reflecting this unique and varied history are entries on, for example, Cartier, Jacques; Hudson's Bay Company; Seven Years' War; and Underground Railroad. Exhibiting Canada's multicultural history and diverse population are entries on Chinese Canadians, Blackfoot Confederacy, Immigration, and Inuit. Current socioeconomic and diplomatic concerns are explored in topics like Bank of Canada, Free trade, and Parliamentary system. Consistent with the notion of a dictionary, entries tend to be brief and cogent, though more complex topics, such as Foreign policy and World War II, warrant longer treatment. Additionally, the volume has an abundance of supplemental material: historical maps; a 25-page chronology; a 50-page introduction to the history of Canada; and a 50- page bibliography organized by various categories and having its own introduction and table of contents. There is also a chronologically arranged appendix, “Governors General, Prime Ministers, and Colonial Governors of Canada.” Overall, this is a handy quick-reference source that also provides a helpful springboard to further research on various Canadian topics via its comprehensive bibliography. Recommended for academic and public libraries, even those owning the previous edition.

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