Polar Books Catalogue
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Sections : Antarctic; Arctic; Journal of the Manchester Geographical Society; Maps; Miscellaneous; Mountaineering; General Polar; Scott; Other travel; Whaling;
Reference 3334 (1658) Category Arctic; Author Williams, Glyn Title Voyages of Delusion: The Search for the North West Passage in the Age of Reason Publishing Information London: HarperCollins, 2002 9780002571814 Description 1st Edition. xx, 467 pages, illustrated, end paper maps, bibliographical references (p.431-453) and index. Original covers in unclipped dust jacket. Appears Unread. Glyn Williams describes the adventures and mishaps of these misguided expeditions. The Quest for the North-West Passage should be as big a best-seller as Fergus Fleming's Barrow Boys which was about the quest for the north-west passage in the 19th century. This book is set in the heat of 18th century exploration fever and charts the many perilous expeditions undertaken to find the passage from amongst the ice and Inuit of Hudson Bay. Fuelled by the promise of fame and riches from revitalised British trade and dominance of the North American continent, the search for this illusory passage even captivated Cook, the most pragmatic of explorers. Williams examines successive expeditions from James Knight to George Vancouver. The secretive Hudsons Bay Company plays a supporting role throughout as does Sir Arthur Dobbs whose political ambition and obsessive pursuit of the illusory passage relied heavily on exploitative cunning, personal greed and putting other lives at risk. The book is based on extensive archival research and archaeological excavations which fuel the content of the book, rich in political and personal intrigue. Written with the narrative brilliance and the mastery of form which characterises The Prize of all the Oceans, this book promises to be both a work of historical excellence and a compelling story of daring adventure, survival and endurance at sea. (Preceeding text courtesy www.fireandwater.com) Price £10.00 Keywords Arctic, exploration, Inuit, eskimo S1-Arc ISBN Add this to your basket