Jolliet and Marquette: A New History of the 1673 Expedition

A very comprehensive, up to date history including Allouez, LaSalle and others, the Native People, the geography and politics of the time, and impact on development of the country.

Starting from the third tribal fishing rights decree that covers much of Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior, recently enacted by a federal judge in Kalamazoo, I've been pealing back the layers of history that underpin the decision -- a trial in the 1980s, a treaty signed by President Jackson in 1836, just months before Michigan statehood.Walczynski's insights into the 17th century life of the Jesuits, who canoed past on familiar water, have allowed me to see the story looking forward. This historian has done his research and is not reluctant to question earlier conclusions. Maybe more important to me, I am now able to see this part of the world as it was seen by two Frenchmen who were on the edge of theirs.

Love this book - a must read for everyone interested in Great Lakes history.This book interlaces the histories of the Native Americans, French socio/economic/political forces and the Catholic missionary efforts. For the first time, it all makes sense to me! I’m especially interested in this history as a Detroit native with deep French Canadian fur trading roots, who lived most of my adult life in Illinois and now live in Wisconsin. I’m also a volunteer at the Fort Winnebago Surgeon’s Quarters at the Fox-Wisconsin portage. Loved this book!

Like Walczynski's previous works Inquietus : LaSalle in the Illinois Country and Massacre 1769 : The Search for the Origin of the Legend of Starved Rock, this is another must have for anyone interested in the Colonial History of the Great Lakes region. In this meticulously researched work, the author takes the reader back in time to feel as if they're canoeing the creeks, tramping through the forests and visiting the Indian villages with Jolliet and Marquette. Walczynski also deserves credit for being one of the few current historians who actually writes about this much neglected period .

School history books always seemed dull reading for me. This book is much more interesting. I wish the author had put in maps. It would help understanding if you have a current map of the Eastern US and Canada .