In 2014 media around the world buzzed with news that an archaeological team from Parks Canada had located and identified the wreck of HMS Erebus; the flagship of Sir John Franklin’s lost expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Finding Franklin outlines the larger story and the cast of detectives from every walk of life that led to the discovery; solving one of the Arctic’s greatest mysteries. In compelling and accessible prose; Russell Potter details his decades of work alongside key figures in the era of modern searches for the expedition and elucidates how shared research and ideas have led to a fuller understanding of the Franklin crew’s final months. Illustrated with numerous images and maps from the last two centuries; Finding Franklin recounts the more than fifty searches for traces of his ships and crew; and the dedicated; often obsessive; men and women who embarked on them. Potter discusses the crucial role that Inuit oral accounts; often cited but rarely understood; played in all of these searches; and continue to play to this day; and offers historical and cultural context to the contemporary debates over the significance of Franklin’s achievement. While examination of HMS Erebus will undoubtedly reveal further details of this mystery; Finding Franklin assembles the stories behind the myth and illuminates what is ultimately a remarkable decades-long discovery.
#341995 in Books Kathryn Harrison 2015-10-13 2015-10-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .80 x 5.20l; .89 #File Name: 0767932498416 pagesJoan of Arc A Life Transfigured
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant biography of Joan of ArcBy Carole P. RomanLovingly documented biography of Joan of Arc. From the very first chapter Kathryn Harrison debunks myths and demystifies Joan's life by describing 15th century France and how external events shaped the Maid of Orleans's outlook. I was surprised to learn of Joan's not so humble; but rather middle class background. Harrison weaves a intricate tapestry of her life; by blending in the religious; political; and social aspects. Each chapter builds the outline of a quiet girl until she matures into an extraordinary figure prepared to sacrifice anything for her calling. Harrison captures the astounding courage and determination of a teenager willing to risk everything; from her very life to her immortal soul by breaking every social and religious code. She also discusses the many ways Joan has been portrayed throughout history; her narrative exposing the difference between fiction and fantasy. Fascinating and compelling; it a stunning study of a extraordinary teenager who bucked authority and stayed true to her heart.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I never realized the life of Joan of Arc was ...By Lnchl8yI never realized the life of Joan of Arc was so incredible; this book provided just the amount of history and commentary I was looking for.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good examination of Joan in myth and legendBy William LinsleyNot as good as Helen Castor's biography for the historical and political context of Joan's mission; but still well worth reading. The author does well in illuminating the mythology of Joan; that is; the views and beliefs that other people have had of Joan.
