Historical Dictionary of the Discovery and Exploration of the Northwest Coast of America
Author(s): Robin Inglis (Author)
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication Date: 2 April 2008
Language: English
Print length: 512 pages
ISBN-10: 0810855518
ISBN-13: 9780810855519
Book Description
The Northwest Coast of America, ranging from northern California through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, all the way up to Alaska, was the last temperate coastline to be placed on the world map. First visited by Russians in 1741 and thought to contain a navigable passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic, it was systematically revealed during an intense period of exploratory and commercial activity from the 1770s to the 1790s. Subsequently, the imperial ambitions of Russia, Spain, and Britain, and an assumption of manifest destiny by the United States led to further exploration and ensured that the region would become disputed territory before national boundaries were determined in the mid-19th century. The Historical Dictionary of the Discovery and Exploration of the Northwest Coast of America tells of the heroic endeavors and remarkable achievements, the endless speculation about a northwest passage, and the fighting and manipulation for commercial advantage that surrounded this terrain. This is done through an introductory essay, a detailed chronology, an extensive bibliography, modern maps and selected historical maps and drawings, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries. Entries cover the native people encountered; the scientists and artists who left an invaluable documentary and visual record of people, places, flora, and fauna; the numerous voyages taken by men such as Vitus Bering, James Cook, Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, and George Vancouver; overland expeditions like those of Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and David Thompson; and maritime fur traders, including George Dixon, Grigorii Shelikhov, Robert Gray and William Sturgis. No other dictionary exists that is dedicated solely to the coverage of this region.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Well written, thoroughly researched, and interesting…. an excellent companion to the historical literature. It is thus highly recommended for any library with holdings covering the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest coast. ― American Reference Books Annual, March 2009
Robert Inglis has produced a useful book. It is clear that the author is extremely knowledgeable and most students’ requirements will be met by this volume. — John Kendall ―
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The Historical Dictionary of the Discovery and Exploration of the Northwest Coast of America tells of the heroic endeavors and remarkable achievements, the endless speculation about a northwest passage, and the fighting and manipulation for commercial advantage that surrounded this terrain . . .For a succinct endorsement of this volume, one cannot do much better than cheer, ‘It’s about time!’ ―
Nautical Research Journal, December 2009
His writings are definitive works in a field ready for such definition. . . . Inglis is a highly competent historian as well, one with a sense for the meticulous assembly of data. . . . Astonishingly detailed and exhaustive product is the result of that intent, and clearly is the result of a lifetime’s painstaking scholarship. . . . A detailed chronology is supported by maps and a lengthy biography, leavened with selected historical illustrations, all of which serve to frame the heart of the book. . . . A very clean text and attention to detail . . . make the ook a pleasing experience physically. . . . Inglis has arguably produced the most useful single volume yet published, for student, scholar and lay reader alike. ―
International Journal of Maritime History, December 2009
This new dictionary will best suit large comprehensive collections. ―
Booklist, October 2008
About the Author
Robin Inglis recently retired as Director from the North Vancouver Museum and Archives. He has worked in the Canadian museum community for over 35 years, and he is a highly respected historian on the early exploration of the Northwest Coast of America.
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