Keepers of the Record: The History of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives

The Hudson's Bay Company Archives, a national treasure, is one of the world's most complete archival collections. Protected in the vaults of the Archives of Manitoba, its documents trace not only the history of the fur trade and the growth of a retail empire but exploration in North America and the evolution of Canada as a country. Keepers of the Record offers the first comprehensive look at three centuries of development of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives.

Deidre Simmons situates the archives within the historical context of the Company, England, and Canada, as well as British and Canadian archival traditions. Keepers of the Record is abundantly illustrated with archival photographs that evoke the texture and slightly musty smell of soft leather and crisp vellum and the ghostly presence of those who created pristine script by candlelight in the wilderness of Hudson Bay or the centre of London.