Abstract
THIS is the first volume of what promises to be a series of great value and interest. The object of the series, as explained by the editors, is to provide a biographical history of geographical discovery. Each of the great men who “have dared to force their way into the unknown, and so unveiled to us the face of mother earth,” will form the subject of a volume; and an attempt will be made, not only to present a vivid picture of the character and adventures of these heroes, but to estimate exactly the scientific value of their work. If the scheme is carried out in a manner worthy of the stirring tales to which it relates, the series will be a source of much wholesome pleasure to all who care to understand how our present knowledge of the earth's surface came to be built up, and who are capable of appreciating the splendid qualities, moral and intellectual, of all who have won for themselves a place in the list of illustrious explorers. The subject of the present volume could not have been intrusted to a more suitable writer than Mr. Clements Markham. He tells in a simple and natural style the tale of Davis's life, displaying at every stage of the story full and accurate knowledge, and summing up clearly the achievements which entitle the discoverer of Davis Straits to be ranked “among the foremost sea-worthies of the glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth.” Two admirable chapters are devoted to the following-up of the work of Davis, and in an appendix the author gives all necessary information as to authorities. Mr. Markham has done his work well, and it will be no easy task for the writers of the succeeding volumes to maintain the series at the same high level.
A Life of John Davis.
By Clements R. Markham (London: George Philip and Son, 1889.)
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A Life of John Davis. Nature 41, 53 (1889). https://doi.org/10.1038/041053a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/041053a0