Narrative of a Journey Across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River, and a Visit to the Sandwich Islands, Chili, &C.,With a Scientific Appendix (Northwest Reprints Series)

The narrative documents the expedition's role in the opening of the West and records the author's scientific contributions. "Delight amounting to ecstasy," wrote Townsend, describing the joys of an encounter with a new species of bird. It was access to Townsend's specimens, collected for the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, that allowed John James Audubon to include far-western species in his monumental "Birds of America." This edition restores the original full text, including Townsend's account of his two years at Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River and of his return home by way of the Hawaiian Islands and Chile. Also included is the orginal "scienitific appendix" of bird and mammal life. George Jobanek's introduction provides a new appreciation of Townsend's accomplishments, which helped to scientifically define a new land.

Since this is a diary, it does have some flat spots (not every day can be an adventure), but mostly Townsend fills his descriptions with details and color that bring his encounters alive. You can sense Townsend maturing as the journey goes on. One suggestion to the editors: If a new edition is produced, it would be nice to include a map of Townsend's travels, because in some places it's hard to tell where he is.

A tip to the reader: Skip the introduction, since it's mostly just a summary of what you'll be reading. It does, however, contain a description of what happened to Townsend after the book, so go back and read that once you finish.


GREAT BOOK!   February 9, 2000
1 out of 11 found this review helpful

hi everyone, please buy, read and cherish this book! you would not believe how much work went into this - I know because I'm the author's daughter. BUY BUY BUY! :) thanks