Island of the Blue Foxes: Disaster and Triumph on Bering's Great Voyage to Alaska

"Island of the Blue Foxes is a rip-roaring tale of adventures, hardship, sacrifice, human hubris and--dare I say--madness...set in inhospitable landscapes and told with breezy energy. Wonderful."

author of The Invention of Nature: Alexander Humboldt's New World, Andrea Wulf

"[A] little-known, white-knuckle tale of ambition, ingenuity and the raw fight for survival. Bown has a stellar track record of chronicling the larger-than-life tales of explorers...An amazing story, both in its intimate details of day-to-day adventure and survival and its large-scale political and scientific implications."

Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald

"A worthwhile read and perhaps one of [Bown's] best. In sharing what is a remarkable story of Arctic exploration, Bown has added a welcome addition to what is already a rich catalogue of books about the Arctic and maritime exploration."

Rob Alexander, Rocky Mountain Outlook

“The story of [an] epic undertaking…It should draw new readers to a neglected chapter in maritime history. Bering’s voyage shows the lengths to which humans are driven by their curiosity, and demonstrates the environmental consequences of our greed.”

Huw Lewis-Jones, Nature

"A gripping account of 'the most extensive scientific expedition in history,' whose impressive results were certainly matched by its duration and miseries. A rapidly paced story of adventure 'to be appreciated as a reminder of the power of nature and of the struggle and triumph over disaster...and of the powerful urge to persevere and return home.'"

Kirkus Reviews

“[Bown] has weaved a story which details the highs and lows of one of the greatest expeditions in world history and one which has been largely forgotten by mainstream humanity. Consequently, this book is an opportunity for all to learn about Bering and his contributions to the geographic and scientific knowledge gained as a result of his efforts.”

Thomas McClung, New York Journal of Books

"Stephen Bown, does a masterful job of telling the story . . . The Island of the Blue Foxes is recommended for history-buffs, especially those interested in Tsarist Russia and the age of exploration and scientific discovery, and any who like action-packed historical nonfiction."

Don Messerschmidt, Portland Book Review