Pioneers of the Pacific Coast

Ships laden with treasure and canoes fighting river currents give Agnes C. Laut's history of the Pacific coast its forward motion. The opening follows Francis Drake from an encounter with Spanish ships to raids along South America's western shore and his search for a passage home. The contents extend the account to Bering, Cook, Vancouver and the fur traders who sought routes through the continent.

Alexander Mackenzie prepares for an overland expedition to the Pacific, studying astronomy and surveying before setting out with voyageurs and guides. Laut describes his canoe, provisions, winter preparations and the difficulty of paddling against mountain-fed currents. The book connects exploration with rivalry over treasure and furs, moving between sea voyages and inland river travel. Readers interested in the region's history can follow named expeditions while considering the account's dated language and descriptions of the people encountered.