ebooks Where the Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story of Early Naturalist Georg Steller and the Russian Exploration of Alaska by Corey Ford in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A well written book on the tragedies and disappointments of explorers making their way from Russia to AlaskaBy Wild Blue YonderWell written and a fascinating slice of history. If you are a biologist or a sailor you should enjoy this epic adventure of exploration. The quick turns to Russian history; although not in any depth; are interesting and helped me understand the Russian-Alaska era.The book could have spent a few sentences discussing the very high prices the Chinese were willing to pay for sea otter pelts which led to the near extinction of this animal as well as making it clear exactly how the pelts were used by the end buyers.If you have any interest in the now extinct Steller Sea Cow; this book is for you because it writes about the behavior (and the killing) of this docile sea mammal.That the brilliant Steller only spent hours on the Alaska mainland after 10 years of preparation is a tragedy; given his brilliance as a biologist.The book is about tragedies; but in Russia in the mid-1770s; especially in the far east there was much tragedy and this book makes that amply clear.Some good came out of this trip; but at the cost of many lives and lives that were broken by the times and events.There was also the harm caused by this exploration; the extinction of the sea cow and subsequent otter raids by the Russians as they made their way to Central California wiping out this animal over much of its range.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A really well written historical accountBy R C LeeI've read other books by Corey Ford about the World War II events in Aleutian Islands. I did not expect much in his writing skills when I purchased this book. However; I was surprised by a very well written account of Georg Steller's experiences and some of the Russian politics of the day that affected his ability to accomplish all of his ambitions. Ford tells the story of how Russian exploration of north america was developed; the wranglings and missteps made by Russian leaders in planning and authorizing such explorations; and finally a very detailed account with lots of background information on the ill-fated trip by Commander Vitus Bering into the Aleutians and the Kamchatka area. Interactions between Bering and his crew and officers as well as descriptions of the hardships endured by the crew when shipwrecked; the long months marooned and eventual death of the captain are all well documented in a story telling manner which keeps the reader gripped.I have spent a lot of time in the Aleutians and often wondered if the casual reader could ever begin to understand how it feels to be wet and damp in such cold climate; to understand what the wind feels like in that climate; and all the other issues one faces there. I believe Cory Ford was able to convey those hardships in a meaningful way to readers who may never otherwise have any concept of the rigors of living in that part of the world.Georg Stellar was a hero; long forgotten by most; and certainly under rated in his time. His contribution to the history of the world demands recognition and Ford's book helps to do that.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. well written and interesting historical accountBy William I.Very interesting story of 19th century Russian exploration near Alaska. It focuses on Stellar; but also discusses Bering; the expedition's planning; execution; and shipwreck; as well as the effect of Russian exploration on native human and animal populations. My only critque is that I suspect the author filled in some details on personalities and dialogue; as it seems unlikely such minute detail could be found in journals and logs. He does assert; however; that he relied only on his sources; so I may be in error there. In any case; it's a historical account that; in my opinion; fits in well alongside those of Shackleton or Magellan.