An historical account of all the voyages round the world, performed by English navigators, vol. 4 of 4

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78104

Title

An historical account of all the voyages round the world, performed by English navigators, vol. 4 of 4

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume chronicles the perilous voyages of English navigators seeking a Northwest Passage, detailing their encounters with ice, hostile natives, and extreme weather. It offers a historical account of exploration, survival, and the tragic human cost of pursuing the impossible.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume IV of *An Historical Account of All the Voyages Round the World* chronicles the relentless and often disastrous English pursuit of a Northwest Passage. The narrative begins with Captain Wood's attempt to reach the North Pole, where he is beset by impenetrable ice and forced to retreat, leading him to conclude that the pole is surrounded by land or ice. The text then details the infamous expedition of Captain Henry Hudson, whose ship became frozen in the bay in 1610. Starvation and the freezing of provisions led to a mutiny; the crew murdered Hudson, the carpenter, and the sick men, casting them adrift before attempting their own escape, which resulted in further loss of life. Following Hudson, Captain Button explored New Wales (Newfoundland) but suffered greatly from the severity of the cold. Subsequent voyages by Captains Baffin, Munk, Fox, and James are described with vivid accounts of their struggles against ice, storms, and starvation. Captain Munk's ordeal was particularly grim; after being left alone in a cave with only two surviving crew members, he eventually died of his hardships and the indignity of the Danish King. Captain James's voyage ended with his ship encased in ice for months, forcing the crew to endure misery, loss of equipment, and sickness before escaping. The volume concludes with the grim realization that while a passage may exist, it is impracticable for trade. The enduring dangers of Arctic exploration and the resilience required to survive nature's fury are highlighted, underscoring the futility of seeking a mercantile route through the frozen north.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Travel