Passionate and rigorously detailed, this biography of Captain Joseph-Elzear Bernier paints a compelling portrait of the hero who marked the history and geography of Canada with his contributions to Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. Profiling his curiosity, drive, intelligence, and passion, the book follows his swift rise to become a ship captain at age 17 and notes his many transatlantic records as ship helmsman. Also included are stories of traveling in harsh arctic waters and learning to survive arctic waters and ice from the Inuits, whom he encountered and befriended. Detailing these and numerous other events from more than 100 years ago, the story ultimately reveals how Bernier, his officers, and crew erected a plaque on Melville Island in the Northwest Passage and laid claim to the entire Arctic Archipelago for Canada?the crowning achievement of a great Canadian.

Marjolaine Saint-Pierre's profile page

Willliam Barr's profile page

Marjolaine Saint-Pierre has spent years researching Joseph-Elzéar Bernier and is the author of the award-winning Saint-Castin, baron français, chef amérindien 1652–1707. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.

"This handsomely produced book has considerable value as a detailed record of Bernier's life and times . . . . Numerous and well chosen illustration provide wonderful glimpses of the world in which he grew up and spent his youth, the nineteenth century world of wooden sailing ships and busy North Atlantic trade."  “Polar Record

"Essential for any collection on maritime history or exploration, this book will interest historians of Canada and the arctic regions, as well as many general readers"  “Annotation ©2010 Book News Inc.

"A remarkable story, and Captain Bernier's place in Canadian and Arctic exploration should be reaffirmed and reemphasized by this publication."  “ 

John Andrews, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research

"Bernier's position in Canadian Arctic research needs to be elevated; sadly his contribution to exploration is not fully appreciated. The author should be congratulated for her meticulous research on the life of Captain Bernier, and the translator also deserves a round of applause for a translation that reads well and easily."  “Canada's History, formerly, Beaver