WINNIPEG — On November 5, 2007, Great Plains Publications unveiled the largest and most detailed book project ever undertaken in this province. More than three years in the making, and with a quarter-million dollar budget, the Encyclopedia of Manitoba is an 814-page information extravaganza.

All aspects of the province’s history, arts, politics, geography, business, nature and sports are explored in 2,000 entries and essays, each written by an expert Manitoban. From Cindy Klassen to K-Tel, Lord Selkirk to Louis Riel, Bothwell Cheese to Chip & Pepper…anything & everything of importance to Manitobans is celebrated within the Encyclopedia’s pages.

“What a great idea, an encyclopedia on just Manitoba,” says Corey Koskie, major league ballplayer and pride of Anola, Manitoba. “This will be a terrific resource for kids to learn about our province and for people who proudly call themselves Manitobans.”

Publisher Gregg Shilliday says there is still room for big reference books in this era of on-line resources. “Unlike Wikipedia, our articles are written by experts and signed by them. Our editors went through a difficult process deciding what makes it into the book and our writers were proud to sign their names to the pieces.”

The Encyclopedia of Manitoba is full-colour, hardcover, 814 pages and features more than a thousand photographs, paintings and maps.