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." Glyn Williams describes the adventures and mishaps of these misguided expeditions

Arctic Ocean Northwest Passage, Arctic Regions, Arctic regions Discovery and exploration, Arctique Découverte et exploration, Arctique Découverte et exploration britanniques, Biographies, Canada, Discoveries in geography, Explorateurs Canada Biographies, Explorateurs Grande-Bretagne Biographies, Explorers, Explorers Canada Biography, Explorers Gr

Dead man's island: the doomed voyage of James Knight A passage to California The controversial voyage of Christopher Middleton The maritime philosopher's stone The disputatious voyage of William Moor and Francis Smith A parliamentary inquiry and its aftermath The edge of a frozen sea Maps, hoaxes and projects The puzzling voyage of James Cook Entering the labyrinth last hopes

Originally published: London : HarperCollins, ©2002

Originally published: London : HarperCollins, ©2002