John Rae, Arctic Explorer

John Rae is best known today as the first European to reveal the fate of the Franklin Expedition, yet the range of Raes accomplishments is much greater. Over five expeditions, Rae mapped some 1,550 miles (2,494 kilometres) of Arctic coastline; he is undoubtedly one of the Arctics greatest explorers, yet today his significance is all but lost. John Rae, Arctic Explorer is an annotated version of Raes unfinished autobiography. William Barr has extended Raes previously unpublished manuscript and completed his story based on Raes reports and correspondenceincluding reaction to his revelations about the Franklin Expedition. Barrs meticulously researched, long overdue presentation of Raes life and legacy is an immensely valuable addition to the literature of Arctic exploration.