It is geography that shapes this history: the volume is organized by region, not chronologically by event or personality. Each chapter opens with a brief overview of a region, such as the Yukon, the Northwest, the Canadian Shield, the Maritimes. These introductions are narrated in the first person and in the present tense, giving the reader the impression of immediacy, of being there with the author. Berton is certainly masterful at giving readers--young and old--the flavour of the places and people who have made their mark on Canadian history. What readers should not expect, however, is a detailed discussion or chronology of events. The character portraits, moreover, have been adapted from his other excellent, and highly recommended, history books, such as My Country, Klondike, The Last Spike, The National Dream, and Flames Across the Border. As adaptations and abridgements, then, they suffer from some choppiness. The result, for those not already well versed in matters historical, can make for a somewhat disjointed reading experience. Readers who become intrigued by any of these colourful figures or episodes are advised to go to the always-inspiring source. --Diana Kuprel