COLONIAL LIFE Bobbie Kalman Niagara Falls (Ont.), Crabtree Publishing, 1992. 32pp, library binding, ISBN 0-86505491-6 (library binding) $16.95 ISBN 0-86505511-4 (paper) $8.95. (Historic Communities series). Reviewed by Edith Parsons Volume 20 Number 6 1992 November In the predictable format that characterizes "The Early Settler Life" series and "The Lands, Peoples and Cultures" series, Bobbie Kalman has produced a well-written, attractive and durable record of colonial life in the American south. Lavish pictures of Williamsburg provide a colourful back-drop for Kalman's simple, clear text. Although Kalman tells us that the first permanent English settlement was established in Jamestown, in 1607, the photographs depict Virginia as it thrived in the 1800s. There is no indication of the colony's often difficult evolution. The opulence of Williamsburg's elite society is effectively contrasted with the harsh treatment of the slaves. The book ends with a rather preachy, politically correct comment on the evils of prejudice. Kalman's title is somewhat confusing; this is not a look at colonial life but a look at one specific colony. Despite Crabtree's Canadian ties, this book has no Canadian content. While Colonial Life would be a useful addition to libraries hoping to add to their information on the Thirteen Colonies, it will not help those of us searching for material on Canadian pioneers. Recommended with reservations. Grades 2 to 4 / Ages 7 to 9 Edith Parsons is Assistant Manager, Information Division, at Edmonton Public Library in Edmonton, Alberta