A History of Canada in Ten Maps

This was a really neat read! In each chapter, Shoalts looks at a different pre-confederation map of Canada, and the conditions under which it was created. The maps range from Leif Erikson's first map of Vinland to the maps of the Arctic produced by the Franklin expedition, so there's a wide range of material drawn from. With each map, Shoalts takes time to present the cultural and political reasons behind each map's development, in a manner that is welcoming and open to those without much Canadian history knowledge.

Due to the nature of the book, it's not without its limitations. The book relies heavily on settler sources (although it does acknowledge the role of Indigenous people in the development of the country), and the map-making conceit means that a lot of the political and cultural history that shaped the country is overlooked. If you understand those limitations going in, though, it's a real treat, because Shoalts' ability to relate the compelling and complex nature of Canadian history is incredible.

Fascinating! Unsurprising how much the successful explorers relied on Indigenous and French Canadian voyageurs to survive in uncharted lands. Amazing how locals were able to free-hand accurate maps of the area. I was hoping Shoalts would discussing the aerial mapping push during the second world war by Canadian and US air force and land surveyors, maybe not enough archival material is available? (I have sources!) Or maybe there was no ‘pretty' map to go along with. Or maybe it seemed less dramatic than land+canoe missions? Anyway. I am motivated to read more history!