The Journals of Samuel de Champlain, 1608-1609:

The Foundation of Quebec and the War with the Iroquois

   Edited by David S. Potter

   Discover North America! At the dawn of the 17th century, French trader Samuel de Champlain made several Atlantic crossings to explore the New World and its possibilities.  He traveled with a fur-trading expedition, mapped much of what is now the St. Lawrence River, and helped set up various settlements.  In 1608 the stakes were raised: King Henry IV sent Champlain west to establish a French colony on the St. Lawrence River.  In this absorbing journal, Samuel Champlain records his founding of Quebec, how he defeats a mutiny among his men, and what happens when he joins a group of Algonquins who fight a set battle with the powerful and hostile Iroquois. 

    Champlain's 1608 journal allows you to follow along with him as southern Canada and the northern United States open up before his - and your - eyes.  Champlain records the species of trees and native plants as best he can, and he notes what sorts of terrain and water are available for settlers.  He describes the kinds of boats the Native Americans make and the waterways they use, including the lake in upstate New York that is now named for him, its first European visitor.  He is also an enthusiastic - if not completely comprehending - observer of their social and commercial customs.

    Anyone interested in North America before the arrival of the Europeans will want to read The Foundation of Quebec and the War with the Iroquois.  It also speaks to those interested in the spirit of exploration - wanting to see what's around that next bend in the river.  It describes a beautiful and demanding country, and the hardy people who lived there and who arrived to explore it.  Readers of this book may also be interested in The Journals of Samuel de Champlain -- The Voyage of Sieur de Champlain in 1603 - forthcoming from Fatcat Press.

    The Journals of Samuel de Champlain, 1608-1609:

The Foundation of Quebec and the War with the Iroquois

   Edited by David S. Potter

   With a new introduction and notes by the editor.  2 maps and 2 illustrations.  340 KB.   ISBN 0-9741532-1-4