----------------------------Original message---------------------------- 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Dr.Iain C. Taylor XX Have you sampled?: Chief Geographer XX National Atlas XX NAIS on the Web URL: Geomatics Canada XX XX http://www-nais.ccm.emr.ca/ [log in to unmask] XX fax 613-943-8282 XX National Atlas maps; Geographic Names phone 613-992-4028 XX 'Make a map'; Quizzes, etc., etc. XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Any comments are mine and not necessarily those of Geomatics Canada or the Government of Canada. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX