In the Shadow of the Pole

An Early History of Arctic Expeditions, 1871-1912
The Arctic became part of Canada in 1880 when it was transferred from Britain. How the transfer came about and what Canada did with its new territory is described. The book focuses on the ten marine expeditions that the Dominion government sent north between 1884 and 1912 and examines what these expeditions accomplished.

In the Shadow of the Pole explains how the Arctic came to be part of Canada.

In the Shadow of the Pole tells the history of how the Arctic became part of Canada and how the Dominion government established jurisdiction there. It describes the early expeditions to Canada’s North, including the little-known Dominion government expeditions to the Subarctic and Arctic carried out between 1884 and 1912. The men on these expeditions conducted scientific research, meteorological studies, geological explorations, and hydrographic surveys. They informed the people they met there of Canada’s jurisdiction in the region and raised the flag from Hudson Bay to Ellesmere Island. These men endured as much hardship and adventure as Peary, Nansen, Amundsen, and other famous polar explorers, yet their expeditions were not widely publicized, and they received no glory for their efforts. This book delves into the story of the remarkable Canadian men who led these expeditions.