The General Store

E. Jane Philipps is head of the Biology Library at Queen’s University
in Kingston.

This worthy addition to Bobbie Kalman’s excellent Historic Communities
series focuses on the 19th-century general store and its role as the hub
of village life. Easy-to-read and attractively designed, the slim volume
contains a wealth of information on merchandise and merchandising; the
source, arrangement, and packaging of goods; barter and credit systems;
and communication. Well-chosen illustrations include photographs of
people and buildings from living heritage sites like Upper Canada
Village, as well as colorful, detailed reproductions and sketches. The
book contains questions and puzzles that promote interactivity and
concludes with a useful glossary and index.

As with previous works in the series, The General Store illuminates the
past and affords some delightful moments of revelation concerning the
origins of today’s activities and vocabulary. An accessible resource
for all school and public libraries, it will also be a welcome addition
to home libraries. Highly recommended.