Songs, stories are beyond value; they are the memory and wisdom of a people, the particular individual rivers of the sea of life which constitutes us all.

Any Canadian looking in the bathroom mirror is sure to recognize one of Guy Vanderhaeghe's people. Man Descending is the startling debut of an excellent writer.

Songs, stories are beyond value; they are the memory and wisdom of a people, the particular individual rivers of the sea of life which constitutes us all.

Understand is not the word; you are right, you can never really 'understand' about someone, anyone, even yourself. It is best to believe in them as human; feel that they are alive like you and need warmth, concern.

Five hundred and fifty generations have lived here. Only the stories we tell each other will create us as a true Canadian people.