THIS FIRST issue of Books in Canada in the 1990s marks new beginnings for us in several ways. We have a new proprietor, Bedford House Publishing Corporation, which has undertaken to maintain our editorial character and policies, and allow us the opportunity to expand and improve. Our new general manager, Anita Miecznikowski, comes to us from McClelland & Stewart, where she worked as marketing co- ordinator in the college division. She has stepped into her new role with impressive assurance, and we are delighted to have her with us. Books in Canada's new design was created by Joanna Pocock of Bedford House, who is also assistant art director of Country Estate magazine. The magazine now comes to you printed on better, brighter paper stock. For environmental reasons, we have decided against changing to a glossy, coated stock, but will probably do so in the near future, when the paper industry has succeeded in creating a coated paper stock that can be manufactured without the use of nonbiodegradable substances. We begin the decade, too, with a notable name absent from our masthead. Susan Traer, who since 1972 has been our general manager, mainstay, and inspiration, has left to pursue a new career with her children's book distribution company, Rainbow Books. It is no exaggeration to say that without Ms. Traer's perseverance, dedicated professionalism, and unfailing good burnout Books in Canada could not have weathered the many storms of the past 17 years. We miss her, but we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavour.