In the Shadow of the Pole: An Early History of Arctic Expeditions, 1871-1912

Following up on her master’s thesis on Canadian polar explorer Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, Osborne tells the history of how the Arctic became part of Canada and how the Dominion government established jurisdiction there. She describes 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. The end notes, which were not included in the book but made available online, are included here.