William Morwood (1909–1992)

A strange book this, although we have Douglas's own journals for much of his travels, this book tries to concentrate on psychological aspects of the man, and there is much 'analysis' of his motives and descriptions of moods which are not borned out by evidence. That he could be tempramental, is acknowledged by others who met him, but the biographer here tried to assign motives to these moods and actions that we have no evidence for.

However, he does manage to convey something of the excitement of these times and a flavour of life in the Pacific Northwest and California in particular during the early 1800s. Probably a more modern book would include better graphics of the maps, and of some of the speciemen drawings, but this makes a more decent stab at it than many. Douglas's major expeditions are covered, with appropriate quotes and these are reasonably well put into the history and politics of the times.

There are more recent and I think, better biographies, but for those with a particular interest in the subject, it is one worth having.… (mehr)