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ryanjjames's review
5.0
This was a great mix of history with adventure and I loved this book. It was perspective shifting for me as it covered:
- Vikings started visiting from Greenland and drawing maps of Newfoundland 1,000 years ago
- the recency by which Western Canada has been settled (from wilderness to Vancouver traffic jams all the last 200 years)
- the strong bond and cooperative spirit built between first French explorers and the First Nations
- the amount of bloodshed in Canada’s formative years (not just amongst the French, the English and the Americans, but also amongst the First Nations themselves)
- the attack of the Americans in 1812 was in support of Thomas Jefferson’s ambition to annex Canada
- the vastness of our country and that it was the rivers that were explored initially because they were the easiest to follow.
From the AI bot:
"A History of Canada in Ten Maps" is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts and explorers of all kinds. Adam Shoalts' narrative prowess shines brightly as he takes readers on a captivating journey through Canada's past, using ten meticulously chosen maps as portals to different eras. Shoalts expertly weaves together historical accounts, geographical wonders, and personal anecdotes, making the complex history of Canada accessible and utterly engrossing.
What sets this book apart is Shoalts' ability to breathe life into each map, transforming them from mere ink on paper to vibrant, evocative windows into the soul of the nation. His passion for exploration and deep understanding of the land's significance seep through every page, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside him, traversing through time and terrain.
The stories behind these maps are not just tales of cartography; they are narratives of resilience, discovery, and the unyielding human spirit. Shoalts masterfully captures the essence of Canada's diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, painting a vivid picture that lingers long after the book is closed.
In short, "A History of Canada in Ten Maps" is a literary masterpiece that educates, entertains, and inspires. Shoalts' storytelling prowess, coupled with his deep reverence for Canada's heritage, makes this book a must-read for anyone eager to embark on an enlightening and unforgettable exploration of the Great White North.
- Vikings started visiting from Greenland and drawing maps of Newfoundland 1,000 years ago
- the recency by which Western Canada has been settled (from wilderness to Vancouver traffic jams all the last 200 years)
- the strong bond and cooperative spirit built between first French explorers and the First Nations
- the amount of bloodshed in Canada’s formative years (not just amongst the French, the English and the Americans, but also amongst the First Nations themselves)
- the attack of the Americans in 1812 was in support of Thomas Jefferson’s ambition to annex Canada
- the vastness of our country and that it was the rivers that were explored initially because they were the easiest to follow.
From the AI bot:
"A History of Canada in Ten Maps" is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts and explorers of all kinds. Adam Shoalts' narrative prowess shines brightly as he takes readers on a captivating journey through Canada's past, using ten meticulously chosen maps as portals to different eras. Shoalts expertly weaves together historical accounts, geographical wonders, and personal anecdotes, making the complex history of Canada accessible and utterly engrossing.
What sets this book apart is Shoalts' ability to breathe life into each map, transforming them from mere ink on paper to vibrant, evocative windows into the soul of the nation. His passion for exploration and deep understanding of the land's significance seep through every page, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside him, traversing through time and terrain.
The stories behind these maps are not just tales of cartography; they are narratives of resilience, discovery, and the unyielding human spirit. Shoalts masterfully captures the essence of Canada's diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, painting a vivid picture that lingers long after the book is closed.
In short, "A History of Canada in Ten Maps" is a literary masterpiece that educates, entertains, and inspires. Shoalts' storytelling prowess, coupled with his deep reverence for Canada's heritage, makes this book a must-read for anyone eager to embark on an enlightening and unforgettable exploration of the Great White North.
sarahmoroz's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed most of this book, aside from the weirdly off-brand chapter 9 (more on this later). Shoalts very effectively tells the story of European exploration and colonization of the land we now know as Canada. The book is mostly interesting and engrossing. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I didn't feel I could give it a negative or even average review, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about the problems inherent in this work.
Namely: if you're going to write a book about the geographic history of Canada, then it seems like an egregious error to leave out the numerous land treaties with Indigenous groups AND the creation of Nunavut. One could argue that this book is more about European exploration than about political matters or land agreements, but in that case, why cover the war of 1812 (or at least, the battle at Fort Erie) in such detail in chapter 9? This episode in history involved no exploration, and in fact, did not redraw Canada's borders at all. Perhaps it's a matter of personal taste, but I found this chapter to be absurdly boring; and at the very least it certainly seemed like it didn't belong with the rest of the book.
Anyway, it seems clear that Shoalts' goal here was to write only about European contributions to the mapping and early history of Canadian lands. I really did enjoy most of what the book had to offer, but it did not offer enough.
Namely: if you're going to write a book about the geographic history of Canada, then it seems like an egregious error to leave out the numerous land treaties with Indigenous groups AND the creation of Nunavut. One could argue that this book is more about European exploration than about political matters or land agreements, but in that case, why cover the war of 1812 (or at least, the battle at Fort Erie) in such detail in chapter 9? This episode in history involved no exploration, and in fact, did not redraw Canada's borders at all. Perhaps it's a matter of personal taste, but I found this chapter to be absurdly boring; and at the very least it certainly seemed like it didn't belong with the rest of the book.
Anyway, it seems clear that Shoalts' goal here was to write only about European contributions to the mapping and early history of Canadian lands. I really did enjoy most of what the book had to offer, but it did not offer enough.
angch's review against another edition
4.0
A well-researched compilation of both acclaimed and lesser known explorers and moments in the history of Canada (Or rather, Canada before it became Canada). I found it to be a fun read, and I appreciate the author's ability to capture this eclectic collection of events.
As mentioned by another review, the chapter on the War of 1812 seemed somewhat out of place amongst the tales of explorers. Also, while I recognize that the aim of this book was not to be comprehensive, I am a bit disappointed that the author didn't include details on Tecumseh along with General Brock, especially since significant Indigenous figures are prominent in most other chapters.
The author offers a window for readers to observe Canadian history through a Eurocentric lens and does not take a critical stance on any of the explorers mentioned nor on the complex political and socioeconomic Indigenous-settler relationships and tensions that rose over the timeline covered in this book. Though I don't particularly see this as a negative point (I'd recommend those interested in this topic to look at a previous review where this is discussed much more extensively).
Note: The hardcover has a collection of maps that have been cited by others as being missing in the proof. They're printed in colour with some details - beautiful maps, though difficult to distinguish small details. The author includes sources for each maps, allowing curious readers to delve into the archives to explore the maps, but ultimately the maps are more of a visual bonus to accompany the writing, rather than a central topic of the book.
As mentioned by another review, the chapter on the War of 1812 seemed somewhat out of place amongst the tales of explorers. Also, while I recognize that the aim of this book was not to be comprehensive, I am a bit disappointed that the author didn't include details on Tecumseh along with General Brock, especially since significant Indigenous figures are prominent in most other chapters.
The author offers a window for readers to observe Canadian history through a Eurocentric lens and does not take a critical stance on any of the explorers mentioned nor on the complex political and socioeconomic Indigenous-settler relationships and tensions that rose over the timeline covered in this book. Though I don't particularly see this as a negative point (I'd recommend those interested in this topic to look at a previous review where this is discussed much more extensively).
Note: The hardcover has a collection of maps that have been cited by others as being missing in the proof. They're printed in colour with some details - beautiful maps, though difficult to distinguish small details. The author includes sources for each maps, allowing curious readers to delve into the archives to explore the maps, but ultimately the maps are more of a visual bonus to accompany the writing, rather than a central topic of the book.
readermeginco's review against another edition
4.0
Chapter after chapter on the explorers who were desperate to find the Western Passage. Well done! You'll definitely want to read a physical version of this book. The maps don't show up as conveniently on an e-reader.
manishasaha's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
4.25
a great adventure across canada throughout various explorers' quests, a gripping tale of bravery and curiosity which helped map the country to what it is today
tom_mckeown's review against another edition
5.0
A history of Canada I had never read about before. Remarkable and daring men.