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There is a very interesting map I saw recently that I intend to use in debates
about "lying" and maps - a very provocative subject implying deliberate intent
to deceive as opposed to "putting a spin on things" - using contemporary
political jargon - practiced by everybody, everywhere as far as I can see. The
characterization also (obversely) implies there is always a "truthful" and
"correct" way to map things.  Continuums surely exist here.  I hope your work
might try to investigate these.
 
The map in question is titled:
 
CANADA:THE KEYSTONE OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, published c.1925 apparently in a
settlement promotion booklet (one of many produced in the period 1880 to 1950
by the Can. govt.).  Unfortunately the collectible stall in Nepean where I
acquired this recently did not have the booklet itself, but no doubt this could
be found with diligent search.
 
The text on the back states (among other things) that "Canada is the largest
and nearest in the Sisterhood of British Nations" and shows a map of the world
centred on the Americas (and Canada) in a Mercator projection to 85 degrees
with Ellsmere Island occupying about the same space as Australia.
 
There seems here to be a very interesting case study possible in the dimensions
of "cartographic truth" and the map could be usefully looked at from several
points of view, including those of colour, map projection qualities, relation
to accompanying text, as well as the possible deconstructions of the hidden and
possibly subtle psychological pulls behind the title wording.
 
However, as I am interested in possible discussion and debate here, I will not
say more but open it to any of the group who might have access to the map and
who might wish to comment.
 
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Dr.Iain C. Taylor                   XX  Have you sampled?:
Chief Geographer                    XX
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Any comments are mine and not necessarily those of Geomatics Canada or the
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