| Voyages of Delusion: The Quest for the Northwest Passage Contributor(s): Williams, Glyn (Author), Morris, Catherine J. (Editor), McBride, Henry (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 0300098669 ISBN-13: 9780300098662 Publisher: Yale University Press OUR PRICE: $85.14 Product Type: Hardcover Published: December 2000 Annotation: In this gripping work of narrative history, Williams describes the adventures and mishaps of the misguided expeditions of the Age of Reason--the 18th century--in search of the "maritime philosopher's stone." 51 illustrations. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Polar Regions - History | Expeditions & Discoveries - History | Modern - 19th Century |
| Dewey: 910.916 |
| LCCN: 2002109284 |
| Physical Information: 1.5" H x 5.74" W x 8.72" (1.49 lbs) 496 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 19th Century - Cultural Region - Arctic/Antarctic |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The eighteenth century--the Age of Reason--was characterized by determined attempts by philosophers, scientists, and political theorists to dispel myth, superstition, and ignorance. But the Age of Reason also witnessed some of the most irrational and vainglorious attempts by sailors and speculators to find a navigable Northwest Passage that would lead through the icy seas of the Arctic from Hudson Bay to the wealth of the Pacific Ocean. Lured by the promise of fame and riches, men endured paralyzing cold, malnutrition, and terrifying storms. Many lives and fortunes were lost in the quest for the elusive maritime philosopher's stone. In this gripping work of narrative history, Glyn Williams describes the adventures and mishaps of these misguided expeditions. Vividly written and replete with fascinating characters, Voyages of Delusion is a riveting contribution to the history of North American exploration. |