First Approaches to the Northwest Coast by Derek Pethick
An ocean-going ship built of copper-sheathed mahogany. A trans-siberian expedition that built gallows every 20 miles. A circumnavigator who began his life as an apprentice to a Scottish grocer. Of the marvels and quirks of Europe’s eighteenth-century forays to North America’s northwest coast, few signs remain today. Yet, before 1792, twenty-nine voyages reached land between what is now the California-Oregon border and the Bering Sea. Each of these voyages permanently altered the balance of power amongst European courts---as well as setting the tone of relations between the native peoples and the “mau mau’l ney”: those who came “floating on the water without land.” In this book, Derek Pethick explores how contact developed in a succession of visits: by priests from Spain, scholars from Northern Europe, adventurers from the Thirteen Colonies. He writes of the political significance of each voyage while skillfully sustaining a balance between memorable detail and narrative sweep.
This paperback book is in good condition with minor imperfections to the cover. Pages in good condition.
ISBN 10: 0888940610 / ISBN 13: 9780888940612
Publisher: Douglas and McIntyre Ltd.
Publication Date: 1976
