First Across the Continent: Sir Alexander Mackenzie (Oklahoma Western Biographies) - Hardcover

Gough, Barry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0806129441 ISBN 13: 9780806129440

Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997

Synopsis

This biography takes the reader through the hazardous travels of the young explorer, Alexander Mackenzie. It reveals the international impact of Mackenzie's expeditions and places him among the elite of the New World explorers, highlighting his vital role in the history of the American West.

About this title

From the Author

Before Lewis and Clark Alexander Mackenzie found a way west
Lives of explorers and fur traders tell so much about North American early history. The late 18th century in North America offered so many wonderful propects for discovery. The last remaining "prize" was the Northwest Passage, and a trading route to the Pacific. This was Mackenzie's goal, largely achieved. He went north first before he went west, showing remarkable determination (and a willingness to re-educate himself in navigational matters). He was a secretive man, and his letters to his cousin tell of the "inner self." He crossed immense distances, with the help of Canadien voyageurs and native guides and linguists. I found the cross-cultural aspects of the saga fascinating, themes I had written about before in THE NORTHWEST COAST and GUNBOAT FRONTIER. I tried to give exploration history and fur trading a new twist, renewed lease on life. Against the backdrop of Scottish history and British imperial policy making Mackenzie's life has a larger value to the study of history. And I wanted to make this biography of a discoverer a literary gem. It is up to readers to decide if I did so. I wish that there were more Mackenzies to write about.

About the Author

Barry Gough, Professor of History, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, is the author of a dozen books and many articles on American, British, and Canadian frontiers and exploration, including The Northwest Coast: British Navigation, Trade, and Discoveries to 1812.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806129441
• ISBN 13: 9780806129440
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 264