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The Mapmaker's Eye: David Thompson on the Columbia Plateau
Complex, headstrong, curious, and resourceful, David Thompson is a hero in Canada, yet has remained largely unknown in the United States. Between 1801 and 1812, this fur trader, explorer, and cartographer established two viable trade routes across the Rocky Mountains in Canada and systematically surveyed the entire 1,250-mile course of the Columbia River. In succeeding years he distilled his mathematical notations from dozens of journal notebooks into the first accurate maps of the northwest quadrant of North America. Information from some of his earlier mapwork was even used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Author Jack Nisbet utilizes fresh research to convey how Thompson experienced the full sweep of the human and natural history etched across the Columbia drainage. He places Thompson's movements within the larger contexts of the European Enlightenment, the British fur trade economy, and American expansion as represented by Lewis and Clark. Packed with illustrations, photographs, and maps, The Mapmaker's Eye is a chronicle of Thompson's life and adventures, especially in the Columbia country.
Author Jack Nisbet utilizes fresh research to convey how Thompson experienced the full sweep of the human and natural history etched across the Columbia drainage. He places Thompson's movements within the larger contexts of the European Enlightenment, the British fur trade economy, and American expansion as represented by Lewis and Clark. Packed with illustrations, photographs, and maps, The Mapmaker's Eye is a chronicle of Thompson's life and adventures, especially in the Columbia country.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 20, 2023
A beautifully illustrated synopsis of fur trader and explorer David Thompson's travels in the Pacific Northwest.
Nisbet gives the reader a short but interesting background on Thompson's origins and then chronologizes his map-making trips ca. 1812 that opened up the area of modern-day area comprising southeastern BC and Alberta, northeastern Washington state, and Idaho. The artwork of 19 century artists, detailed maps, and photos really enhance the read!
Although Thompson never saw the Thompson-Okanagan region where I was born and raised, he was a key reason that that area was developed by the fur trade later in the 19th century. He focused on finding a trade route from the North Saskatchewan River on the prairies, over the mountains, and down to the Columbia River that had only just been navigated by Lewis and Clark a few years previously.
I also learned that, not only was Thompson a prolific explorer and map maker, he was an avid amateur astronomer as well. In those days, astronomical observations using a sextant were key in determining one's latitude and longitude from London.
Jack Nisbet's books have kick-started my interest in old maps and stories of settling the Pacific Northwest.
Nisbet gives the reader a short but interesting background on Thompson's origins and then chronologizes his map-making trips ca. 1812 that opened up the area of modern-day area comprising southeastern BC and Alberta, northeastern Washington state, and Idaho. The artwork of 19 century artists, detailed maps, and photos really enhance the read!
Although Thompson never saw the Thompson-Okanagan region where I was born and raised, he was a key reason that that area was developed by the fur trade later in the 19th century. He focused on finding a trade route from the North Saskatchewan River on the prairies, over the mountains, and down to the Columbia River that had only just been navigated by Lewis and Clark a few years previously.
I also learned that, not only was Thompson a prolific explorer and map maker, he was an avid amateur astronomer as well. In those days, astronomical observations using a sextant were key in determining one's latitude and longitude from London.
Jack Nisbet's books have kick-started my interest in old maps and stories of settling the Pacific Northwest.
April 13, 2015
Very interesting history of David Thompson, told primarily with excerpts and artwork from his journals as he charted the course of the Columbia river. Working for various British fur trading companies, the surveyor worked his way back and forth across the Rockies, exploring different routes and eventually reaching the Pacific.
While reading, I often found myself studying the maps, Thompson's and modern versions. The journal excerpts were fascinating, connecting tribes by language and describing the plants, animals, fish and birds he encountered. It is especially interesting that we don't know what all the plants correspond to.
The only thing that would make this fairly comprehensive book better would be representations of the large maps created by Thompson after retiring. Only one is publicly viewable, and images on the internet don't do it full justice.
This is the sixth book in my quest to read from my friend's "10 books that influenced" lists. I tore through this one in a few days, and have to agree with Eric's assessment - this book leads you to ponder. Recommended!
While reading, I often found myself studying the maps, Thompson's and modern versions. The journal excerpts were fascinating, connecting tribes by language and describing the plants, animals, fish and birds he encountered. It is especially interesting that we don't know what all the plants correspond to.
The only thing that would make this fairly comprehensive book better would be representations of the large maps created by Thompson after retiring. Only one is publicly viewable, and images on the internet don't do it full justice.
This is the sixth book in my quest to read from my friend's "10 books that influenced" lists. I tore through this one in a few days, and have to agree with Eric's assessment - this book leads you to ponder. Recommended!
March 3, 2014
Enjoyed the account of Thompson's early years. The Columbia River Canadian origins with a northern and southerly flow into The States.
On the map making side, with the reliance on various Indian tribes, the stars, and rudimentary instruments, it is a wonder Thompson's accuracy at times.
Wonderful read if you enjoy Pacific NW history.
On the map making side, with the reliance on various Indian tribes, the stars, and rudimentary instruments, it is a wonder Thompson's accuracy at times.
Wonderful read if you enjoy Pacific NW history.
August 5, 2011
Good historical read full of maps and anecdotes, how to make snowshoes, journal entries from river mapping, routes, posts, companions. If Thomson had his way, Walla Walla, WA would be in Canada
December 5, 2021
Nisbet's ability to research the history of an important individual like David Thompson is admirable.
This book will give you the details of a life well-lived. Thompson had many abilities which made him successful in expanding the business of the beaver pelt trade. He was an important explorer.
This book will give you the details of a life well-lived. Thompson had many abilities which made him successful in expanding the business of the beaver pelt trade. He was an important explorer.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews