Finding John Rae

John Rae was one of the more controversial figures in the history of Arctic exploration. Working for the Hudson Bay Company, he explored and mapped vast regions of the Arctic, which should have made him a hero. But he developed habits the British found disturbing. He started dressing like the peoples indigenous to the North and he even learned to make temporary shelters using ice and snow--like the people who LIVED there and knew what they were doing! The British preferred to bring their own ways into a new environment and maintain proper decorum even if it often meant death.

But it was Rae's discovery and reporting of the remains of the John Hope Franklin party that really got him in trouble. He found clear evidence that the party had perished but also that they had done the unthinkable and resorted to cannibalism. When he reported this back to England, the press first sensationalized his claims, then turned against him. How could we trust this suspicious character who lives like a savage? Charles Dickens lead the charge--ridiculing and lampooning Rae to ensure that the truth he found would remain in doubt.

We have two very special maps in our collection hand annotated by Rae. They chart his discoveries and document his incredible achievements. They also show a man holding grudge, quietly raging against the world that would not acknowledge his rightful place in the pantheon of great explorers.

To see the maps, ask for Stef G3270 1878 .S7 (pictured above) and Stef G9780 1855 .G7 1876.