The Private Journal of Captain G. F. Lyon, of HMS Hecla
During the Recent Voyage of Discovery Under Captain Parry

First published in 1824, Lyon's journal recounts William Parry's abortive second attempt to find the North-West Passage in 1821–3.

George Francis Lyon (Author)

9781108070997, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 April 2014

502 pages, 7 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.63 kg

By 1820, the explorer William Parry had managed to traverse half of the North-West Passage. For his second attempt in 1821–3, he was accompanied by George Francis Lyon (1795–1832), who captained HMS Hecla. Parry and Lyon ultimately failed to get beyond Fury and Hecla Strait - named for the expedition's ships - because of heavy ice. This, together with the onset of scurvy, brought about their return to England. First published in 1824, Lyon's journal provides details of the region's natural history and its ice conditions as well as some of the most perceptive early commentary on the Inuit of Baffin Island and Melville Peninsula. Lyon struck up a rapport with these people, even allowing them to tattoo him. Living among the Inuit, Lyon observed their customs, their clothing, their diet, and their hunting activities. Several engravings of the author's sketches enhance the value of the work.

Preface
1. Departure from England
2. Expedition to examine Hurd's Channel
3. Ships take their winter quarters
4. Wolf caught
5. Natives change their stations
6. Leave Winter Island
7. Enter strait of Fury and Hecla
8. Annatko
9. Persons of Eskimaux
10. New year's-day
11. Journey in search of a western sea, and return
12. Expedition returning.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]