In Quest of the Western Ocean (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781025737393)

"In Quest of the Western Ocean" is a comprehensive historical narrative detailing the centuries-long endeavor to find a navigable water route from Europe to the Pacific Ocean across or around the North American continent. Nellis M. Crouse examines the motivations, challenges, and shifting geographic theories that drove explorers from various nations to brave unknown waters and rugged terrains in search of a shorter path to the riches of the East.

The work meticulously traces the evolution of cartographic knowledge as early navigators transitioned from seeking a mythical strait to documenting the vast realities of the New World. From the early voyages of John Cabot and the French explorations of the St. Lawrence River to the persistent, often perilous searches for the elusive Northwest Passage, this study analyzes the political and economic pressures that fueled these ambitious expeditions. Crouse provides a scholarly account of how the obsession with a trade route ultimately led to the internal mapping and eventual settlement of the continent. "In Quest of the Western Ocean" remains an essential resource for understanding the spirit of discovery and the historical forces that shaped the early modern understanding of North American geography.

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