In 1788 a young Scotsman named Alexander Mackenzie arrived at Fort Chipewyan, Canada, to take over its management for the Northwest Fur Company. From the beginning he was determined to find an overland route to the Pacific Ocean and new fur-bearing territories. In this dramatic biography, Ronald Syme tells the exciting story of Mackenzie’s explorations of two rivers that he hoped would take him to his goal.

Mackenzie’s first journey, up the Peace River, ended at the Arctic Ocean. Interested only in finding the route to the Pacific, Mackenzie named the river the Disappointment. Now it is known as the Mackenzie River, the second longest on the continent. Finally, after his second journey on the Slave River, Mackenzie successfully reached the Pacific coast, and with this achievement established a new westward route for fur traders and, later, for settlers.

Vivid descriptions and striking illustrations of the Canadian Northwest, as well as of the colorful men in Mackenzie’s party, help to make this fascinating chapter in the exploration of North America come to life for readers today.

From the dust jacket