As a cameraman, Doug Wilkinson came to Baffin Island several times before deciding to spend a full year with the Pond Inlet settlement and to live the Eskimo life under the guidance of Idlouk, leader of his community. This year provides the contents of an unassuming book which includes us in the seal, narwhal, and rabbit hunts, on the trapping expedition for fox furs, in the engulfment of Northern delicacies. The author always has an eye to the effect of white civilization on the Eskimos, whether it be by blood or trade — and he finds the anglicanized natives balanced precariously between the old ways, the roles learned through the generations, and the new which cannot be avoided and which have enriched their lives in some directions while robbing them in others. The unforgettable moments such as stalking a caribou in full view of the animal, sliding down a mountain out of control, joining the community to experience the immediacy of the physical world of the Eskimo, who cannot envision a life where a struggle for food directly with the source is not an actuality. There are many insights here, some homely (meat swallowed whole takes longer to digest, giving more energy, and a full stomach is important, not the moment of tasting), some as imposing as any (Idlouk’s tribute to his “”son”” as a man who knew Eskimo life and to whom the chief of the whites should listen well revealed the dignity of a big man).

hardback – wear and tear to dust cover – some discolouration inside front cover – otherwise in good condition in view of its age.