Northwest Passage

Award-winning artist Matt James has reimagined the iconic song "Northwest Passage" by legendary Canadian songwriter and singer Stan Rogers, telling the dramatic story of the historic search for the elusive route through the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific. For centuries, nations, explorers, and commercial interests have been captivated by the idea of conquering this treacherous passage, often with tragic consequences.

Explorers from around the world attempted to navigate the Northwest Passage, either by sea or by land, in search of a more efficient route to the Pacific Ocean and Asia. Many lost their lives in the pursuit, until Roald Amundsen successfully completed the journey by ship in 1906. Today, with the impact of global warming making the passage more accessible, nations are once again vying for control and exploring its potential uses.

Stan Rogers' inspiring song "Northwest Passage" pays tribute to the brave explorers who undertook these perilous journeys, including Kelsey, Mackenzie, Thompson, and the ill-fated Franklin expedition. Matt James' evocative paintings complement the lyrics, providing a visual perspective on the history and the Inuit wisdom that was overlooked by the ill-fated expedition.

In addition to the song lyrics and artwork, the book includes maps, a timeline of Arctic exploration, biographies of key explorers, and suggestions for further reading. This book follows in the footsteps of the successful Canadian Railroad Trilogy, offering a poignant exploration of history through the lens of a beloved song.

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