Spring Break
Humanist explored in prof's book
by Greta Moran
Staff writer
News | 10/7/08
Posted online at 3:12 AM EST on 10/7/08
/ Last updated at 3:18 AM EST on 10/7/08
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In his lifetime, Champlain wore the mantles of explorer, mapmaker, soldier, sailor and the "Father of New France" for his successful colonization of many areas within Canada, including Quebec City, Fischer described in his presentation. However, Champlain's role that Fischer admires most and hopes to highlight through his new book is that of a humanist.
Fischer began research for Champlain's Dream in 2004 by traveling throughout the parts of Canada that were once called New France and along the coast of Maine with his wife, Judy. "Judy and I went on our own voyage of discovery, following the path of Champlain," Fischer said during his speech. A large collection of papers written by Champlain about his expeditions had disappeared, he said.
Fischer said that he often turned to people, rather than documents, in his research of Champlain. He met many artists, listened to stories passed down by word of mouth and even stopped in at a pizza parlor that had a picture of Champlain as its store logo. "When we put all these things together, they began to interlock," he said during the speech.
In time, Fischer developed not only a finer knowledge of Champlain's accomplishments, but also who Champlain was as a man.
"What I find most inspiring is the way Champlain worked with people unlike himself," Fischer said in an interview. Fischer explained how upon Champlain's arrival to America in 1603, Champlain walked directly into the middle of an encampment of various Indian nations and formed an alliance that lasted for generations by talking to Indian go-betweens, which Fischer describes as "translators of language and culture."
Champlain's ability to work with diverse people partially arose from his background. He grew up in Saintonage, a province in France that serves as a border between different cultures and religions, Fischer said. In France, Champlain worked to promote peace and tolerance with a circle of French humanists, who, as a group, served as a critical, yet often forgotten link in history.
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