Reviews

The prolific Sandler, who has authored many history books for children, tells an exciting tale of exploration and adventure so filled with mystery, tragedy, and speculation that, at first read, it seems almost too incredible to be true. The quest to find the elusive Northwest Passage (an Atlantic-Pacific sea route north of Canada) was an obsession held by many in 19th-century Britain. The search led to great discoveries, created veritable heroes, and resulted in tremendous loss, including the disappearance of a celebrated 1845 expedition led by Sir John Franklin. The story that sets this book apart from so many others about the hunt for the Northwest Passage is its focus on the HMS Resolute, one of Britain's finest naval vessels built to withstand Arctic conditions. In 1852, it set out on a mission to trace the fate of the Franklin expedition and ultimately served to bind two nations together. Sandler expertly weaves letters, logs, and other sources from crew members and various key players into an immensely readable book that carries the story of the Resolute up to our times and into the White House. Illustrations, photographs, and maps aid in the visualization of this saga, recommended for all libraries. Susanne Markgren, Purchase Coll., SUNY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.