Writing during the latter half of the nineteenth century after studying original sources and acquainting himself with the lands and the remaining family of that outstanding discoverer of the 1700s, Sir Alexander MacKenzie, R. M. Ballantyne recounts for succeeding generations an interesting, accurate, and lively narrative of MacKenzie s two great expeditions. Follow the stalwart and colorful band of pioneer discoverers on their journeys ''by water and wood'' across the far north of the American continent as they penetrate its inclement regions, meet its men, beasts, and physical elements, and venture across the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean and on to the Polar Sea.

Though you can enjoy all this from your cozy armchair today, it may ignite within you a desire to leave your life of comfort and ease and to pioneer an expedition yourself!