'HONEST ENOUGH TO BE BOLD': THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SIR JAMES PLINY WHITNEY. Humphries, Charles W. Toronto, University of Toronto Press, c1985.276pp, cloth, $18.50, ISBN 0-8-20-3420-9. (Ontario Historical Studies series) CIP Grades 12 and up Reviewed by Iyvan Michakhyshyn Volume 13 Number 6 1985 November This book is the third to be published in the Ontario Historical Studies series. It deals with the Ontario Tory Premier Whitney who held office from 1905 to 1914. Professor Humphries has written a scholarly account of Whitney's life with the main focus being his years in office. This premier not only defeated a Liberal legacy, but during his years in office made major policy decisions that still affect Ontario today. Hydroelectric power, bilingual schools, northern resource development, and higher education are just a few of the many areas in which James Whitney established critical legislation. The book is extensively researched and well footnoted. It belongs in the realm of scholarly works, although keen students would certainly gain an excellent view of the political machinations of Ontario prior to World War I. The volume makes use of some archival photographs. But, this biography, while well written, is of limited value due to its treatment. This is a purely political biography. We very rarely see any other dimension of the man, his family life, or his dealings with people other than politicians.James Whitney had financial problems for part of his career, and his family life was also troubled at times. It is also limited by the fact that lives of local politicians are of greater interest in their own particular region. Iyvan Michakhyshyn, Gordon Bell H.S., Winnipeg, Man.