WITHE BASKETS, TRAPS AND BROOMS: TRADITIONAL CRAFTS IN NOVA SCOTIA. Gordon, Joleen. Halifax, Nova Scotia Museum, c1984, 56pp, paper. $5.95, ISBN 0-919680-23-2. CIP Grades 6 and up Reviewed by Joan M. Payzant Volume 13 Number 3 1985 May Joleen Gordon has already thrown new light on traditional Nova Scotian crafts, with Handwoven Hats: A History of Straw, Wood and Rush Hats in Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Museum, 1981) and with her notes accompanying Older Wars*, a book by photographer Peter Barss. Her latest publication, Withe Baskets, Traps and Brooms gives clear directions for making these useful articles, accompanied by Ron Merrick's excellent photographs, and in addition a history of all types of basketry in Nova Scotia as practised by Blacks, Micmac Indians, and fishermen. "Withe" is a word which, according to Mrs. Gordon, is "derived from the Old English "widthe" meaning any tough flexible twig or stem suitable for binding things together." In Nova Scotia, fishermen favor withered withes for their basket weaving, and they produce clam baskets, eel traps, laundry, knitting, garden and sewing baskets, and even fish weirs. Gordon's clear, readable writing style belies the painstakingly detailed research behind her work. Interviews with crafts people who share their methods with her add warmth and human interest to the book. Recommended reading for those who enjoy crafts, and ideal for projects in social studies or art classes. Joan M. Payzant, Dartmouth, N.S. *Reviewed vol. IX/2 1981 p. 107