Social Studies: II

428 SOCIAL STUDIES parts: a simple and lucid account of the peasants' life in the East and all its allied problems; a discussion of the U.N. Technical Assistance Programs and also those sponsored by the United States, the Commonwealth , and Russia; and, finally, a very brief concluding section on the broad meaning of what is being attempted. Professor Callard's study examines the attempt of Pakistan, in face of immense difficulties, to build a constitutional state. It may be added that shortly after its appearance Pakistan surrendered her experiment in parliamentary government. In October 1958, Major-General Iskander Mirza, backed by the army, abrogated the constitution, dismissed the Central and Provincial Governments, dissolved their legislatures, and abolished the political parties. The ultimate reasons for this event lay with the politicians, who, unrestrained by immature and confused parties, failed to respect the necessary procedures and ethics of parliamentary rule and certainly failed to utilize its opportunities. On this as on other aspects of the state Professor Callard casts illuminating light. In his analysis he illustrates how in Pakistan many of the essential ingredients of parliamentary democracy are absent-the will for democracy, a strong public opinion fed by groups that respect the constitution, a reasonable degree of material prosperity, a low temperature in class passion, and some tradition of self-rule in the electorate. He puts the major dilemma of Pakistan in a few sentences: The people want the country to be founded on the full measure of the immutable principles of Islam; yet they afC willing to abandon none of the advantages of a modern secular state. They want democracy but they also admire an act of strength and rally to support the man who has acted. They want provincial autonomy but are ready to deny power to the central government . They want a foreign policy that will give automatic support to all Muslim causes; yet they also desire all the benefits of a policy of selective self-interest. It need scarcely be said that this study throws light not merely on Pakistan but also on the conditions necessary for the success of democracy anywhere. SOCIAL STUDIES: II I. M. S. Careless This section has had a brighter year than last. Several notably good books stand out above the normal run of middling to worthy volumes; and there are also several bad ones, which on occasion can be more LETTERS ~ CANADA: 1958 429 interesting to examine than merely useful mediocrities. The total number has gone up considerably besides, although there is little in the way of regional writing from east of the Great Lakes. The Pacific West, in fact, has received the most emphasis this year, largely as a result of British Columbia's centennial celebrations, which have helped to produce some of the best works in this category. In addition there are some pieces of autobiography, and as usual, a few other items that do not fit readily into any particular classification. The last-named range from Street Railways oj Toronto, 1861-1921, by Louis H. Pursley (privately printed, pp. 155, illus., $3.00), to The Call oj Algonquin, by Mary G. Hamilton (Ryerson, pp. xii, 188, $4.00). The former is a bald account of running operations and varieties of roIling stock which may delight street-railway hObbyists-they exist-but otherwise is chiefly to be noted for the excellent photographs it preserves. The latter describes the foundation and development of a girls' summer camp in Algonquin Park. It also may do well enough for graduates of Camp Tanamakoon, or devotees of the organized woodsiness of summer camping; but it is not likely to rouse emotions in a wider circle. Then there are Cruising the Georgian Bay, by Kenneth McNeill Wells (Kingswood House, pp. xii, 123, illus., maps, $4.00), and Fences, by Harry Symons with drawings by C. W. Jefferys (Ryerson, pp. xliv, 155, illus., $4.95). The first is an amiably chatty guide for the amateur yachtsman, intended to supplement his pilot book. It seems to do a thorough job, as it runs the gamut from navigation lights to the water and beer facilities along the Georgian shore, fills in local scenery with colourful descriptions...