Dead Reckoning: The Untold Story of the Northwest Passage

I really got into this history of the search for the Northwest Passage. Very well written, and the author went well beyond the traditional sources of historical knowledge to bring in the perspectives and knowledge of Inuit from Canada and Greenland. I enjoyed their stories as well as learning the roles they played in helping so many European explorers.

I was totally intrigued by the story of Lady Franklin. She was a masterful "spin doctor" or reputation manager for her husband. She ensured he was credited with discovering the Northwest Passage (even though he hadn't) and she ensured his place in history by creating several memorials in his name.

The book is thorough but never boring. An excellent read.

Very readable, almost a page-turner for non-fiction! Excellent job of ensuring that Inuit folk get the acknowledgement long lacking for the critical importance of their contribution to arctic exploration including the Northwest Passage. Also sets the record straight in John Rae’s central contribution to finding what eventually would be the Northwest Passage over the never-ending emphasis on Franklin. My only criticism is that I wished for a more complete map for reference while reading - one all on one page perhaps on one of the inside covers - one that includes the NWT and Greenland.