["People of the Deer"] issues from [Mowat's] fondness for these People of the Deer and from his concern over their plight. Between these covers he has packed exploration of a region seen by few, an unforgettably vivid cyclorama of the caribou, an ethnological study of the Ihalmiut, an unconscious full-length portrait of himself, and a peppery denunciation of governmental paralysis or worse.

It is a serious moral document which would have been strengthened by less passion. But this Canadian war veteran was too outraged by situations brought home to him by human anguish to present both sides of the picture. He is right to be outraged, and fortunately he goes beyond sweeping statements and accusations to outline practical steps looking to a more intelligent conduct toward the northern races. One hopes his single-handed crusade will have effect.

The general reader, however, will thank Mr. Mowat chiefly for his...