Science and the Canadian Arctic: A Century of Exploration, 1818-1918

by Trevor H. Levere

Overview

This is a study of the nature and role of science in the exploration of the Canadian Arctic. It covers the century that began with the British Royal Naval expeditions of 1818 and ends with the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1918. Professor Levere focuses on the imperialistic dimensions and nationalistic aspirations that informed arctic science, and situates its rise in the context of economic and military history of nineteenth and early twentieth century Europe and North America. Accessibly written and prodigously researched, Science and the Canadian Arctic should appeal to an audience of historians, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the Arctic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521524919
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/29/2004
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	456
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.10(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Acknowledgements; List of illustrations; 1. Science and the Navy; 2. The Navy and the Northwest Passage after the Napoleonic Wars: 1817–34; 3. Overland to the Arctic, surveyors and naturalists: the Royal Navy and the Hudson's Bay Company; 4. Mid-century: the Admiralty manual and the state of Arctic science; 5. Constructive rivalry: the Navy and the Hudson's Bay Company: John Franklin and the search expeditions; 6. The Arctic crusade: national pride, international affairs, and science; 7. Science north: the British Arctic Expedition 1875–6; 8. From nationalism to internationalism in science: the International Polar Year 1882–3; 9. Science without borders, or scientific territory: imperialism and emergent nationalism before 1918; 10. New lands and seas: Vilhjalmur Stefansson: science, territory and government; Afterword; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...could serve as a textbook for history students. ...contains a wealth of meticulously documented information." Theresa Aniskowicz, Canadian Geographic

"In history it is essential to tell the story, providing the opulent complexity that comes from extensive reading in the primary printed sources and in the manuscripts. Levere does this...Levere will edify you and engage you." Gregory A. Good, Science

""...a rich and absorbing record of the tensions and rivalries underlying nineteenth-century scientific endeavors throughout the Arctic region. The conflicting claims of painstaking investigative study and territorial ambitions are well highlighted..."' Times Literary Supplement, July 29, 1994

"...an astonishing vista..." Lewis Pyenson, American Scientist

"...an impressive display of wide and well-integrated scholarship...interestingly and copiously illustrated..." The Northern Mariner

"Trevor Levere's brilliant, extremely wide-ranging study of science in arctic Canada leaves almost no stone unturned...imparts information regarding the early background and more recent developments and discoveries in subjects as diverse as geology, mineralogy, hydrography, meteorology, goemagnetism, astronomy...an extremely valuable survey and reference work, an open sesame to almost any subject, covers the political, social, military and economic contexts of science in the northern half of North America. It is a must for every major library..." C. Stuart Houston, Book Reviews

"Levere's book is the first comprehensive examination of scientific activity in the Canadian arctic islands from 1818 to 1918, and it is truly an impressive work. Drawing on a masterful understanding of the physical and natural sciences and an exhaustive reading of the various sources, Levere has produced a richly informed assessment of the motives underlying arctic science, the investigators and their activities, and the discoveries and advances. Little is overlooked. Levere is just as comfortable discussing techniques and instruments as he is personalities and politics. The story is also amply supplemented by maps, sketches, and photographs that nicely complement the text....Levere is to be commended for what should quickly prove to be the standard reference work on the subject. He has tackled a formidable project and produced a fine piece of scholarship on the Arctic." W. A. Waiser, American Historical Review

"...Levere has succeeded brilliantly...a captivating and well-researched history of the science carried out in the Canadian Arctic during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries." Hannah Gay, Canadian Historical Review

"...Reading this book was a pleasure. It has much to commend it..." George Luste, Victorian Studies

From the Publisher