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Path of the Paddle - Revised Edition
Path of the Paddle - Revised Edition
By Bill Mason.
Revised and updated by Paul Mason.
Key Porter Books, Toronto 1995
200 pages, $24.95 Cdn
Review by MICHAEL PEAKE --
Che-Mun Editor
Canoelit Home Page
This is the book that changed it all. When Path of the Paddle hit the bookshelves for Christmas 1980, canoeists snapped it up and we couldn't believe we were reading such a well-illustrated book about our beloved past time.
It also marked the beginning of the decade of Bill Mason. While Bill has been around doing his thing for many years, this book launched Mason Inc. and propelled Bill to the status of canoe guru - and position he still occupies seven years after his tragic death in 1988.
It seems only fitting than Paul Mason, Bill's son and model for many of his photos and films, should revise and update this classic. Paul is an avid canoeist and a very successful whitewater competitor. He was bronze medalist in the 1994 World Whitewater Rodeo. He has also graced the pages of Che-Mun for many years with his lively and funny Canoetoons. Unfortunately Paul no longer produces these and we are quickly running out of old stock. (How about a few more there Paul?).
You don't mess around with a good thing and I am thankful to report Paul's revisions amount to mostly fine tuning. All the wonderful original photos and illustrations are still there. Some of the terms have been update and more medical information has been added.
My copy of Path of the Paddle is one of those early first editions with a photo credit error. The pictures of Blue Chute on the French River and a peaceful moment on the Magnetawan River are transposed. It was corrected in the next printing.
But most of all my copy of Path has something I will treasure as long as I treasure the memory of that wonderful guy who wrote it. And that is the big Bill Mason autograph in the front of the book along with his trademark sinking paddler cartoon.
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