SAINT JOHN: A SPORTING TRADITION, 1785-1985. Flood, Brian. St. John, Neptune Publishing, c1985. 256pp, cloth, $29.95, ISBN 0-9692218-0-0. Distributed by Neptune Publishing, 111 Park Dr.,St. John, N.B.E2H 1A9. CIP Grades 7 and up Reviewed by Catherine R. Cox Volume 14 Number 3 1986 May Brian Flood is a fifth-generation native of Saint John. An athlete and rowing enthusiast, he brings his interest in sport to bear on a city that is proud of its history. Saint John was incorporated in 1784, having been a settlement location for native Indians and later French and English pioneers. Flood tries to cover the sporting life of the people of Saint John from the beginning to the present day. Actually, after a brief overview of the activities from 1785 to 1867, he dedicates the majority of the book to the last century, 1867-1985. The golden days of sport in Saint John seem to have been around the turn of the century. After 1932 the account becomes little more than lists of teams and sporting events. As a social history of the region in the early part of this century, the book has merit. It gives a lively account of the bicycle clubs and rowing contests and the like that flourished as part of the everyday life of the era. Saint John is proud of the accomplishments of individuals like Charles Gorham, who won national and international championships. Black-and-white photos from the collection of the New Brunswick Museum, as well as private collectors, add photo section at the back of the book are an appropriate culmination to the progression of sport in Saint John. This is not a scholarly work, though it is adequately researched. There are some editorial problems (for instance, "1980" should read "1890" on page 94), and the writing style is colloquial and self-conscious. The photographs are excellent. There is an index of sports personalities and a very brief bibliography. A worthwhile purchase for local interest. Saint John: a Sporting Tradition is also a useful addition to any library's sport history section. Catherine R. Cox, Moncton H.S., Moncton, N.B.