Uncharted Waters
THE EXPLORATIONS OF JOSÉ NARVÁEZ (1768–1840)
B.C. History, Biography
- Price
- $24.95
Jim McDowell’s new biography of the little-known Spanish explorer José María Narváez, reveals his significant discoveries during the European exploration of what is now Canada’s Pacific Northwest Coast.
Narváez was the first European to investigate a Russian fur-trading outpost in the Gulf of Alaska in 1788. The following year he became the first Spaniard to reconnoitre Juan de Fuca Strait. In 1791, he charted the interiors of three large inlets on Vancouver Island’s west coast, discovered a vast inland sea to the east (today’s Salish Sea), mapped the entire gulf, located two prospective entrances to the fabled Northwest Passage, made first contact with Aboriginal peoples, and found the site of what became western Canada’s largest city — Vancouver, British Columbia. Narvaez also undertook diplomatic missions around the Pacific Ocean, charted the waters of the Philippines, and engaged in the political upheaval that transformed New Spain into México between 1796 and his death in 1840.
Reviews
2016 IPPY Silver Medal, Best Regional Non-fiction, Canada-West
“A wonderful legacy of a time passed, and a critical one on the eve of war between Spain and Britain.” —Barry Gough, author of Pax Britannica
“McDowell’s account is well illustrated, accessible and sensitive to the role of First Nations.” —Robert Galois, author of A Voyage to the Northwest Side of America
“A fine contribution to our knowledge of the Age of Spanish Exploration. The definitive biography of this capable officer.” —Capt. Steve Mayo, Pacific Northwest Maritime Historian
“Uncharted Waters is a comprehensive examination of one of the most important and overlooked explorers of the Pacific coast during the late eighteenth century . . . An important addition to the bookshelf of early British Columbia history.” —BC Studies
“McDowell offers a seemingly effortless synthesis of facts, political context and biographical particulars to present the first fully realized biography of the achievements of José Narvaez.” —BC BookWorld
“The author should be congratulated for a well-written narrative, excellent choice of maps and illustrations and exhaustive research. . . . McDowell has not only done Narváez, but also B.C.’s historical narrative, an important service.” —Robin Inglis, The British Columbia Historical Federation Magazine
Book Details
Pub Date: November 2015
Trade Paperback
300 Pages
Print ISBN 9781553804345
E-book ISBN 9781553804352
PDF ISBN 9781553804369
6” x 9”
Other Ways to Buy
Shop independent bookstores
Chapters/Indigo
Amazon
E-books available through your favourite e-book retailer