The Hero and the Historians

This book examines how Jacques Cartier's legacy has influenced Canadian national identity over five centuries, reflecting changing perceptions of history and memory.

This unique exploration of commemoration and memory traces Jacques Cartier’s evolving image over five centuries to illustrate how shifting perceptions of the past have influenced identity formation and nationalism in both English- and French-speaking Canada. By delving into the historical narrative surrounding Cartier, the author examines the intricate relationship between collective memory and national identity, highlighting the debates that historians have engaged in regarding these themes.

Focusing on Jacques Cartier as a national hero, The Hero and the Historians reveals how ideas about the past have been constructed and transmitted through generations. This examination provides insights into how these narratives have been utilized to convey specific ideologies about the world, particularly in the context of Canadian identity. The book emphasizes the significance of historical figures in shaping collective memory and the implications this has for understanding national unity.

Gordon's analysis of the cult of celebrity surrounding Cartier during the mid-nineteenth century offers a lens through which to view the evolving understanding of history that accompanied modernity in North America. While Cartier served as a bridge between English and French Canadian nationalism, the author demonstrates that the nature of this connection was fraught with limitations. The Hero and the Historians is essential reading for those interested in the cultural foundations of national identity and the complexities of unity in Canada.