From Abbey, SK, to Zurich, ON, this unique dictionary includes over 6200 Canadian place names. Canada's diversity is marked not just by people but by geography; this richness is reflected in names of cities, villages, rivers, lakes, mountains, and parks. And the names reflect a range oflanguages including Cree, Inuit, French, Gaelic, Spanish, Portuguese, Mi'kmaq, and Basque. Alan Rayburn's witty and highly readable entries reveal the origins of these names-from local history to military events to bizarre geographical features.An important reference handbook, a fascinating tour guide, and a history of the local all in one, this intriguing dictionary uncovers a great deal about Canada's cultural and linguistic heritage. A book that remains as full of surprises as ever (Canada narrowly escaped being named Acadia, Borealia,or Transatlantica, for example), this new edition updates the successful first edition, including the names of newly created regions such as Nunavut. New material includes a revised preface, selected references, and new introduction.

Alan Rayburn is the former executive secretary of the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names. He has written some 150 books, papers and articles in the toponymic field.

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