Post by blackcrowheart on Jun 4, 2007 20:28:44 GMT -5
LIBRARY NOTES; New book rethinks America’s discovery
By SHARON ALDAHL
.
The Chinese discovered America? The “Island of Seven Cities,” subtitled “Where the Chinese Settled When They Discovered America,” reads like an alternative fiction story but is classified as history. It had me searching the Internet (somewhat like when I read “The Da Vinci Code”) for credibility.
This fascinating piece of detective work appears to turn legend into fact after author Paul Chiasson discovers ruins in his native Nova Scotia. He presents what appears to be tangible proof that the Chinese had their own settlement in America long before other European settlers.
Chaisson (architect, accidental discoverer and author) rewrites American history with this personal account of his own research.
His adventure began in 2002 when he discovered the remnants of a road while walking on Cape Breton Island, a place his family had settled eight generations earlier. Chiasson consulted his families’ history books about the area and his curiosity grew.
This book chronicles his investigation of aerial photos, old maps, and the culture of the native Mi’kmaq Indians. Maps and photos are included which support Chaisson’s conclusions.
He makes a case that the Indian legend of the Island of Seven Cities is based on fact and that the ruins, an entire town site on a mountaintop, are indeed evidence of a large scale and thriving Chinese settlement. Whatever these ruins are, I hope they are explored further by the experts.
Move over Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci! Who done it? This compelling book would be of interest to history buffs as well as mystery and alternative fiction readers.
Go to our Web site at www.lacrossecountylibrary.com to link to the library catalog and request this or any book to be delivered to your local county library branch in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska, or West Salem. We will notify you of your book’s arrival by phone, mail or e-mail — just let us know your choice.
Sharon Aldahl is a La Crosse County Library System staff member at the Onalaska branch.
By SHARON ALDAHL
.
The Chinese discovered America? The “Island of Seven Cities,” subtitled “Where the Chinese Settled When They Discovered America,” reads like an alternative fiction story but is classified as history. It had me searching the Internet (somewhat like when I read “The Da Vinci Code”) for credibility.
This fascinating piece of detective work appears to turn legend into fact after author Paul Chiasson discovers ruins in his native Nova Scotia. He presents what appears to be tangible proof that the Chinese had their own settlement in America long before other European settlers.
Chaisson (architect, accidental discoverer and author) rewrites American history with this personal account of his own research.
His adventure began in 2002 when he discovered the remnants of a road while walking on Cape Breton Island, a place his family had settled eight generations earlier. Chiasson consulted his families’ history books about the area and his curiosity grew.
This book chronicles his investigation of aerial photos, old maps, and the culture of the native Mi’kmaq Indians. Maps and photos are included which support Chaisson’s conclusions.
He makes a case that the Indian legend of the Island of Seven Cities is based on fact and that the ruins, an entire town site on a mountaintop, are indeed evidence of a large scale and thriving Chinese settlement. Whatever these ruins are, I hope they are explored further by the experts.
Move over Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci! Who done it? This compelling book would be of interest to history buffs as well as mystery and alternative fiction readers.
Go to our Web site at www.lacrossecountylibrary.com to link to the library catalog and request this or any book to be delivered to your local county library branch in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska, or West Salem. We will notify you of your book’s arrival by phone, mail or e-mail — just let us know your choice.
Sharon Aldahl is a La Crosse County Library System staff member at the Onalaska branch.