This anthology investigates the foundational literary responses to the exploration and mapping of the Canadian continent during its early period of European contact. Germaine Warkentin, a scholar of early Canadian literature, compiles a diverse selection of primary texts to illustrate how early explorers and settlers documented their encounters with an unfamiliar geography. The work serves as a critical framework for understanding the intersection of colonial expansion and the development of a distinct national literary identity.

Scholars and students of Canadian history frequently cite this collection as a foundational resource for examining the early literary record of the region. The text is recognized for its academic rigor and its utility in bridging the gap between historical exploration and the evolution of Canadian national literature.