First Crossing: Alexander Mackenzie, His Expedition Across North America, and the Opening of the Continent

by Derek Hayes

Describes the journey of Alexander Mackenzie, who in 1793, was the first European to cross the continent north of Mexico.

Genres: History, Biography, Canada, Nonfiction, Travel

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mike Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of Mackenzie's great journeys, reaching both the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean before the better-known Lewis and Clark. This is one of the earliest works by Derek Hayes in the genre that he has made a career out of (history illustrated by contemporary maps). If you enjoy this, check out the rest of his work as well.

[? · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Take off, to the great white north,
Take off, it's a beauty way to go!"

[John Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent discussion of the history of the search for a Northwest Passage overland.

[Mark Pagano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very informative and had ample maps and other visual to help make it easier to understand. It read more like a text book though than a novel or other piece of fiction. If you are interested in Western Canadian or PNW history - it is very useful.

[Nancy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course I have a special interest in the story behind this book, but it was a good read with tons of information re: Mackenzie's various explorations. Highly recommended, if you want to read about adventure, exploration, and fear. Their are two sides to every story: The Natives Mackenzie met had their own interpretation of his visit, which they related Alexander Caulfield Anderson almost one hundred years later.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with diagrams,pictures and rich detail about discovery of the northern North American continent.

[Steve Courson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best written and illustrated books about Canadian exploration that I’ve read.