A review by randay047
A History of Canada in Ten Maps: Epic Stories of Charting a Mysterious Land by Adam Shoalts

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

I really enjoyed reading this. Even though it was history, I thought it was wonderful. My only critique is chapter 9 with the section about the war of 1812. Though I agree with the author that was is important for map making, the section was long and didn't seem to click with the rest of the book.

Despite this, the book has inspired me to read actual historical accounts by the looked of Alexander Mackenzie and Samuel Hearne. 

Finally, I did like the fact that the author displayed the truly nuanced reality of the relationship between settlers to the new world and indigenous peoples. They weren't constantly fighting, but were Rather getting along, largely in the name of adventure. Furthermore, if explained well the amount of conflict there was between indigenous tribes that is often lost to the narrative going around today. They did not all get along, and often these conflicts were murderous. 

Also, there are stories about legendary indigenous people in the book that I did not know about and have me a huge appreciation for their history as well.