This is a book of its times: quaint turn-of-the-century writing for North American and European readers who have had little direct experience of native peoples, using overwrought phrasing and pop words of the era (notably 'paleface', 'redskin' and 'Happy Hunting Ground', which peaked in usage around 1900 according to Google ngrams). It fits neatly into the period of Wild West shows and boys' adventure literature, when indigenous peoples and their cultures were being interpreted as noble but inevitably vanishing. The short book mentions familiar landmarks in southern British Columbia, but the human representations seem, at best, unfamiliar. ( )

Legends of Vancouver by Pauline Johnson is a charming compilation of Coastal Indian myths. It was a delight to read the tales about so many locations and attractions I grew up with: Siwash Rock, Lost Lagon, Coal Harbour, Point Grey and Deer Lake. Also included is a Native version of The Great Flood and a very interesting account of Britain's Prince Arthur of Connaught and the Iroquois, which I'm sure might be viewed as controversial today due it's description of the Iroquois support of the British crown. The writing reflects the racial sentiments of the day (1911).

As mixed race English and Iroquois, Johnson lives in both worlds and writes with authenticity and great love for the Native peoples. The prose is beautiful albeit a bit florid for today's tastes.

I learned a lot about the culture of the Coastal First Nations peoples as I previously didn't imagine our Coastal Indians using canoes, arrows and being as warlike as depicted in these tales.

The book would have been enhanced by photos of the various locations throughout the city and with illustrations of the mythical warriors, princesses, Chiefs and medicine men as well.

Legends of Vancouver should be required reading for all Vancouver schoolchildren. ( )