LOTFI MANSOURI: AN OPERATIC LIFE Lotfi Mansouri. Oakville (ON), Mosaic Press, c1982. Distributed by General Publishing. 122pp, cloth, $19.95. ISBN 0-7737-2007-3. Grades 11 and up. Reviewed by Bessie Condos. Volume 11 Number 3. 1983 May. This is a highly readable autobiography of the renowned director of the Canadian Opera Company. The text, which was prepared with the assistance of Aviva Layton, a Toronto-based writer, reflects the director's philosophy and his enthusiasm toward opera as well as his on-going desire to make opera more accessible to the general public. The book is divided into five chapters that describe the author's traditional Moslem childhood in Iran, his musical studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, the development of his musical career and international experiences in Italy, Switzerland, and Australia, his relationships with opera stars such as Sutherland and Pavarotti and with the former Shah of Iran. There are two chapters that deal with the Canadian Opera Company and the future of opera along with numerous black-and-white photographs. When Mansouri accepted employment in Canada, he realized the necessity of acquiring marketing skills and fund-raising techniques-something he never had to contend with in Europe. He decided to tour the country and learned, much to his dismay, that there were many excellent Canadian musicians who could not find employment and were forced to pursue their musical careers in Europe. In order to remedy this situation, Mansouri began a series of inaugural training programs for young Canadian musicians and these evolved into the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble. A well-written account that is highly recommended for intermediate students and adults who wish to enhance their musical educations. Bessie Condos Egan, Winnipeg P. L., Winnipeg, MB.