The Historical Atlas of Canada by Derek Hayes (Douglas & McIntyre) contains reproductions of more than three hundred antique maps, which comprise a true history of the occupation of a continent. This is a beautiful book, almost impossible to put down. The text is concise and filled with interesting tidbits, although the early period is often marred by adverb abuse; like many who write history today, the author cannot conceal his impatience with the “mistakes” of earlier days, and so things are often said to have happened ironically, unfortunately, naturally, and of course. But this is a small quibble. The book is a bargain at seventy-five bucks, and possibly a masterpiece.