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