The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson: Separating Fact from Fiction

by Gregory Klages

**Best Books of 2016 - Writers' Trust of Canada**
**National Post: Bestseller - Non-Fiction**

How did Tom Thomson die in the summer of 1917?

Was he shot by a poacher, or by a German-American draft dodger? Did a blow from a canoe paddle knock him unconscious and into the water? Was he fatally injured in a drunken fight? Did he end his life out of fear of being forced to marry his pregnant girlfriend?

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned Canadian landscape painter, The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson offers an authoritative review of the historical record, as well as some theories you might not have thought of in a hundred years. Cultural historian Gregory Klages surveys first-hand testimony, archival records, and a century of speculation about Thomson’s tragic demise, attempting to sort fact from legend in the story of this Canadian icon's demise.

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Dr. Douglas Lucas, formerly of the Ontario Centre for Forensic Sciences: "The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson: Separating Fact from Fiction...is, in my opinion, the best of all the books [about Tom Thomson's death] because the author attempts to...trace the many stories back to their actual source. When this is done, and there are very few sources, it becomes clear that there is much more fiction than fact."
Dr. Douglas Lucas, A Life of Crime: My Career in Forensic Science (2018)

"The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson stands as both a conscientious case study and a larger investigation into what history can and cannot do."
Alison Gillmor, Canada's History (2016)

"Klages’ evisceration of one prominent Canadian journalist for his irresponsible output on Thomson was almost painful to read: the ruthlessness with which Klages reveals the speculation, sloppy research and unsupported family legend through which the author has polluted the public understanding of Thomson’s story was a tour de force of rigorous history over sensationalizing careerism."
Mark Reynolds, Christopher Moore's History News (2016)

Genres: History, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2016

About the author

Gregory Klages, PhD, GDDA, has worked as a historian, exhibition curator, and cultural commentator for over three decades.

In 2007-2008, Klages was Research Director for ‘Death on a Painted Lake: The Tom Thomson Tragedy’, a book-length, bilingual, multimedia website offering transcriptions of historical documents and images related to Tom Thomson's life, art, and his death. The site is one of thirteen produced by the ‘Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History’ project. In 2008, the project received the Canadian History Society’s Pierre Berton Prize for popularization of Canadian history.
Site address: http://www.canadianmysteries.ca/sites...

His writing on Tom Thomson, voluntary societies, the emergence of Canadian arts advocacy, and Canadian cultural policy-making has appeared in the American Journal of Canadian Studies, the Asian Journal of Canadian Studies, the Canadian Historical Review, Ontario History, and Saskatchewan History, as well as in the edited volume, Archives & Canadian Narratives (2011).

His research has been covered in newspapers such as the Globe and Mail, National Post, and Toronto Star. He has also appeared on radio and television broadcasters such as the CBC, BBC, CTV, and Global.

Reviews

[Debra Komar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better-than-average review of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the death of the great Canadian painter Tom Thomson. I have read many books on the subject and this is the most even-handed account available. Klages is not interested in producing a definite answer to the question of Thomson's death - he wisely leaves that to the audience to decide - but does a great job of tracing the origins of the narratives that persist in Canadian history. The book is better written than any of its predecessors and is competently researched (although Klages decision to avoid footnotesin the text was not in the book's best interest). There is some speculation here, although to Klages credit he clearly identifies when he is guessing. The one draw back is that there is a clear (and almost venomous) disdain for the work of Roy MacGregor. I have read "Northern Lights," MacGregor's take on Thomson's murder, and while I share many of Klages' criticisms of the work, his open contempt for MacGregor undermines the strength of his argument. Critique is valuable - personal attack leaves the attacker's motives in question. That blip aside, the book is interesting, surprisingly fast-paced and lean, and worth a read.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh look, everyone, another book on Tom Thomson, which promises to "separate fact from fiction". Nothing new here. At the very least, there is nothing here that hasn't been done far better in Northern Light: The Enduring Mystery of Tom Thomson and The Woman Who Loved Him

This isn't a bad book. It's a good enough book, in the sense that it covers all the salient points, brings forth a few nice photographs and re-argues all the facts. (We just can't seem to get enough of this Thomson fella here in Canada! ) This book might have even garnered a 3-star rating if it wasn't for the fact that Klages is an academic and should know better than to re-hash old news and present it as new research. From an "amateur historian", such a move might be forgivable; from a professional researcher, it is unconscionable.

Nonetheless, fair is fair, so if you've just dropped in from another galaxy, and had never heard of Tom Thomson, this might be as good as any a place to start. It's all there, from start to finish. (Once again.) Much like Neil Lehto's book Algonquin Elegy: Tom Thomson's Last Spring it does a creditable job of reviewing all the known information; with Lehto's book however, you at least get a bit of a fictional side-story with the facts, which adds a little green garnish to the old steak.

Those interested in Tom Thomson should stop at Roy MacGregor's work. MacGregor has it all: the history, the mystery, and even a hint of romance, without ever once sacrificing integrity. For just the facts, try his Northern Light; if you're looking for an exceptionally good fictional read, Canoe Lake will fit the bill beautifully.

I think I'm done with books on Thomson, purporting to reveal "the latest, the greatest mystery never solved...". It's become a sideshow. Unless Thomson himself comes back and wants to share the truth of his demise, I think I've heard it all. Full stop.

[John FitzGerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea that Tom Thomson was murdered has been a staple of Canadian popular culture for decades, but until now it doesn't seem to have been the subject of serious historical inquiry. Well, now Gregory Klages, a historian at York University, has examined it. His book is a thorough and highly competent examination of purported evidence that Thomson was murdered, that (as some claim) he committed suicide, or that (as the inquest found) he died in an accident.

I won't spoil the experience of reading the book by revealing his conclusion, but it is extremely well argued. Klages also gets to the point quickly about each piece of evidence -- no welter of unnecessary detail here -- and the book moves along quickly in an intelligent and clear style.

I also found the book interesting as a case study in the development of legend. Saying any more about that might also betray the conclusion, but the book is worth reading for that, too. He also is illuminating about Thomson's position in the art world during his life and after -- it's essential to evaluating the evidence, but also interesting in itself. I've always thought Canadian painters were underestimated internationally, but it seems Thomson wasn't.

This book is a model of what popular history should be -- interesting, pertinent, cogent, significant, and a damn good read.

[Jen Easter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book with very little knowledge of Tom Thomson. I knew that he was a Canadian painter who had died tragically under mysterious circumstances. After reading this book I can now say that I now have a much better idea of the man, and the mystery and myths, surrounding his death.

Did Thomson commit suicide? Was he murdered? Or was it a tragic accident? These questions are explored throughout the book. The details of Thomson’s “many deaths” – including the discovery of a body in Thomson’s original grave (yes, he was buried twice!) are stranger than fiction. They make for a fascinating read.

There are multiple books in this book – the first, and most straightforward, is the life and death of Thomson. The second explores how we got to where we are today in how we understand Thomson’s death. In order to do so Klages traces, in painstaking detail, how rumours, lies and conjecture came to be viewed as fact. What was most interesting to me was reading how small, crucial aspects of the scene of Thomson’s death – for example, the placement of a paddle in his canoe, which he was last seen in – were incorrectly reported and how subsequent reports picked up these details and they became fact. It’s a tangled web, and Klages does a great job of untangling it.

Finally, the author explores the 3 possible ways Thomson died and, based on the facts in evidence, draws a conclusion about what really happened to Thomson. After reading many pages dedicated to detailing the accounts of journalists and those with an interest in the case propose fantastic theories about Thomson’s death that have no basis in reality, I welcomed the reality check!

I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Canadian history and/or true crime accounts. Given the aspects of Thomson’s death and the aftermath of his death that read like fiction because they are so strange, I would also recommend this book to fans of mystery novels!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much that I really tried my best to take it slowly. This approach served me well, I think, because it was difficult, at times, to process the fact that most of what I've always "known" about Tom Thomson isn't necessarily true. A lot of the things I've taken for granted about his life and his tragic death are, in fact, based on hearsay, gossip, and outright fabrications. I won't spoil anything here, because it's best to let everything unfold as it does in this excellent book.
I do want to say that for a text that could have been very methodical and dry, there are passages that are so lovely that I found myself profoundly affected. Highly recommended.

[Amy Moritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Amy, I smell Tom!"

September 2016 I made my first trip to Algonquin Park with Scott. Our first full day I booked a guided canoe trip. When asked if there was anything I wanted to see, I emphatically said "The Tom Thompson Carin!" Our guide, George, asked if I knew about Tom. I knew a little bit and George was excited that I was excited to hear the history and the mystery involving one of Canada's greatest native sons.

Scott got me this book for Christmas and once I sat down with it I could not put it down.

What I love about this book by Gregory Klages is that he deconstructs the myths and legends of Tom Thompson's death through fantastic research. He points out where the story about his death took twists and turns and became something of a mystery, something of a conspiracy, even though the evidence really does not support murder or suicide and that the best the historical record can support is agreeing with the original, albeit mundane, explanation that Tom's death on Canoe Lake in July 1917 was accidental.

About his art and connection to Algonquin Park, which is what stirs my imagination most, Klages wrote:

"His enthusiasm for Algonquin Park helped to bring them to a region that they quickly came to see as embodying the Canadian spirit, where the natural world collided with human needs in an epic struggle, and where the winner did not yet feel like a foregone conclusion."

Klages is focused on FACTS but does discuss the story and legend aspect. What's most important -- how Tom Thompson actually died in 1917? Or what his story has meant to the development of a Canadian identity? I certainly believe in the historical record and I respect its importance. But there is something about the "mystery" of his death, the story that can never be fully known, that lends a mystical air to Tom Thompson, one that draws you into his paintings in a way that maybe otherwise would have been missed.

[Doug Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klages does an excellent exhaustive search for what actually happened. I was parallel reading Geoff Taylor’s book at the same time about Thomsons Last Bonfire .
I found Taylor’s description and knowledge frustrating like others have but Klages is much better and thorough and worth the read . Each chapter addresses was it accidental , suicidal , or murder and the reasons why for each with compelling information . I’ve read Roy MacGregors book the Tom Thomson mystery which is good but not as thorough as Klages . But you pick up clues from each so you can form your own opinion . Mine?, I believe it was foul play and murder .

[Liz Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched book. A very different perspective than I have read.

[Alexina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you aren't interested in the murder mystery itself this book is very useful as a guide to the evolution of the mythology surrounding Tom Thomson. The centenary is the ideal time for it as well.
The first section has brief summaries of Thomson's life, art, and the events of his last summer. It then moves on to the correspondence between Thomson's family, friends, and colleagues after his death. This also includes discussion of marketing Thomson's work.
The second section discusses the various accounts of Thomson that have appeared over the last 100 years. That they are covered in chronological order is especially helpful as it lets you see how they feed off each other as well as how individual chroniclers changed their stories over time.
Klages makes his own conclusions clear in the third section. Here he summarizes the case for each theory: murder, suicide, and accident, and also discusses the current whereabouts of Thomson's body.
Although this book focuses on going back to primary sources it does not contain footnotes or detailed references. I understand wanting to make it readable for a general audience but endnotes would have been useful without interrupting the flow of the text.

[Robin M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read and so informative!
I have always been interested in the Thomson mystery and wanted to find some clear understanding of the actual events surrounding his death.
I enjoyed it so much I was inspired to create a podcast based around this book for my (M.A.) digital history course.
Definitely recommend!

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a very academic style of writing, Klages accomplishes what he set out to do with this text, separating fact from fiction. Admittedly this the first Thomson book I have read, though as a Canadian I was already familiar with much of the folklore and mystery surrounding Thomson's death.
While there is a large part of me that wants the story of Thomson's death to be as fantastic as the gossip makes it seem, truthfully we will never know and Klages makes that point very clear. Klages does a thorough job of researching and presenting a sort of timeline, of both Thompson's life and the mythology surrounding it. I would reccomend this book to fans of Thomson that are interested in a true history and analysis of his death, though the truth is obviously less thrilling than fiction. I personally found this text to be very informative and interesting. Unfortunately, I rushed a bit through the end as it became rather repetitive in the conclusion.

[Alaina Cyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually like to read non-fiction and I don't care about turn-of-the-century Canadian art/the Group of Seven. I gave this book a shot anyway, but it wasn't for me.

It did a great job of building my curiosity around the death of Tom Thomson, but then the details following were overly repetitive and much too exhaustive for my interest. It was easy to see what the author believed to be the cause of death from early on in the book, but it took an awfully long time to get there. The book could satisfy the average reader's curiosity with Parts One and Three; Part Two is only necessary for Thomson enthusiasts who need a meticulous dissection of the so-called evidence.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Klages book serves as a very informative review of the body of evidence surrounding Thomson's death and a review of the various publications that been written about Thomson's death.
It wasn't thrilling but it was interesting and as authoritative as one can hope for.
Other than the odd ghost story told at camps around Algonquin park I did not previously know the details of Thomson's death and thus I appreciated learning about the facts as well as the myths that have proliferated.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The many theories........told many times......almost too many times. 3.5 stars

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be well-written and interesting to read. There is a little bit of repetition as the author recounts the events surrounding Thomson's death, but he is extremely through in including each varying account of and memory of the event, comparing them as he goes along. This mystery cannot be definitively solved, but it's interesting that so many people tried and did so for so many years following Thomson's death.

I enjoyed learned some of the back story of the Group of 7's members. Sad that Thomson died so young.

[Dominic Krile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly interesting look at one of the most enduring Canadian mysteries, what exactly caused the death of the famous painter Tom Thomson. The book is extremely well-researched, and the level of detail provided really proves the author’s final conclusion beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've grown up knowing about the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, particularly the myths and legends surrounding his death. In this book, Gregory Klages provides the reader with an excellent analysis of the historical facts, starting with Thomson's bio and examining how reports of his death changed through the years.

[Anita H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very well researched but going over the same set of events 15 different ways became a bit boring.