From Maps to Metaphors: The Pacific World of George Vancouver

Name: From Maps to Metaphors: The Pacific World of George Vancouver
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Book Synopsis: During the summers of 1792-4 George Vancouver and the crew of the British naval ships Discovery and Chatham mapped the northwest coast of North America from Baja California to Alaska. Vancouver’s voyage was the last, and the longest, of the great Pacific voyages of the late eighteenth century. Taking the art and technique of distant voyaging to a new level, Vancouver eliminated the possibility of a northwest passage, and his remarkably precise surveys completed the outline of the Pacific.

But to map an area is to appropriate it - to begin to bring it under control - and Vancouver’s charts of the northwest coast were part of a process of economic exploitation and cultural disruption. Although he and the other great navigators of his age exercised no control over the ideas and enterprises spawned by their voyages, their names have come to symbolize the consequences of European expansion - good or bad.

From Maps to Metaphors grew out of the Vancouver Conference on Exploration and Discovery, held to observe the bicentennial of Vancouver’s arrival on teh Pacific northwest coast. Its aim is to bring to light much of the new research on the discovery of the Pacific, as well as to illuminate the European and Native experience. The chapters are written from a variety of perspective, and provide new insights on many aspects of Vancouver’s voyage - from the technology Vancouver employed to the complex political and power relationships among European explorers and the Native leadership.

While it is no longer possible to ‘celebrate’ the coming of the European explorers like Vancouver to the northwest coast, their achievements cannot be overlooked. The charts, log books, journals, and specimens from the voyages of Vancouver and his contemporaries are important sources of information essential for the reconstruction of an image of the Pacific region and its peoples in the eighteenth century.

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Experience the fascinating journey through the Northwest coast of North America with "From Maps to Metaphors: The Pacific World of George Vancouver" book. Discover the incredible story of George Vancouver and the crew of British naval ships Discovery and Chatham as they mapped the entire Pacific region. This meticulously researched book takes you back to the late eighteenth century, when distant voyaging was brought to a new level.

With Vancouver's voyage, the possibility of a northwest passage was finally eliminated. His precise surveys completed the outline of the Pacific, revealing a world waiting to be explored. But this book goes beyond mapping, delving into the cultural and economic impact of Vancouver's charts. Learn how his discoveries kickstarted a process of economic exploitation and cultural disruption that still echoes to this day.

"From Maps to Metaphors" showcases the latest research on the discovery of the Pacific, shedding light on both the European and Native experiences. Written from various perspectives, each chapter offers new insights into Vancouver's voyage. From the technology employed by Vancouver to the intricate power dynamics between European explorers and Native leadership, this book opens up a world of knowledge.

While we can no longer celebrate the European explorers like Vancouver without acknowledging the consequences of their expansion, it is crucial not to overlook the achievements they made. The charts, log books, journals, and specimens collected during their journeys are invaluable sources of information. They allow us to reconstruct an image of the Pacific region and its peoples in the eighteenth century, offering a glimpse into a world that has forever shaped our present.

Embark on this captivating journey of discovery by getting your hands on "From Maps to Metaphors: The Pacific World of George Vancouver" today. Explore the untold stories, immerse yourself in the history, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of European exploration on the Pacific region. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge. Get your copy now!

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