John Rae, Arctic Explorer : The Unfinished Autobiography. This item is unavailable.John Rae, Arctic Explorer : The Unfinished Autobiography

John Rae is best known today as the first European to reveal the fate of the Franklin Expedition, yet the range of Raes accomplishments is much greater. Over five expeditions, Rae mapped some 1,550 miles (1,850 kilometres) of Arctic coastline; he is undoubtedly one of the Arctics greatest explorers, yet today his significance is all but lost. John Rae, Arctic Explorer is an annotated version of Raes unfinished autobiography. William Barr has extended Raes previously unpublished manuscript and completed his story based on Raes reports and correspondence including reaction to his revelations about the Franklin Expedition. Barrs meticulously researched, long overdue presentation of Raes life and legacy is an immensely valuable addition to the literature of Arctic exploration.

John Rae (1813-1893) was an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company who explored substantial sections of the north coast of North America, and was the first to reveal the fate of the Franklin expedition. William Barr has researched the history of exploration of the polar regions for over 40 years. He has published 23 books, including edited translations from French, German, and Russian. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.