Scan barcode
A review by ryanjjames
A History of Canada in Ten Maps: Epic Stories of Charting a Mysterious Land by Adam Shoalts
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.