The Navigator of New York

By Wayne Johnston

Book Overview

Nominated for the Giller Prize and the Governor Generals Award for fiction

Devlin Stead grows up a lonely orphan in late 19th century Newfoundland. When he begins receiving letters from the esteemed but mysterious explorer Dr. Frederick Cook, they entirely change his understanding of who he is and what he might become. Invited by Dr. Cook to become his apprentice, Dev eagerly heads for New York City, where he is introduced into society and joins his mentor in epic attempts to reach the North Pole before Cook's archrival Robert Edwin Peary. When Dev is thrust into international controversy, he must master a series of revelations about his family that will determine his fate.

In spellbinding prose, the author of the acclaimed Colony of Unrequited Dreams recreates the romance, the politics and the peril of the legendary race for the North Pole. Brilliantly rooted in history, The Navigator of New York is a fascinating exploration of the quest for discovery, and how it is remembered.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400031095
• ISBN13: 9781400031092
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The best book I've read in a long time

If you are even the least bit interested in exploration this is a fantastic book.

Somebody doesn't think much of Mr. Peary....

Some of the reviews here have been focussing on this book as a "revisionist history" re Peary and Arctic exploration, but that part of this book is secondary. The real focus of the book is Devlin Stead's life and discoveries about his family, whose story changes through several revelations throughout the book (maybe too many times would be one criticism of this book). Generally well-written and a good description of turn of the (20th) century New York and pre-Canada Newfoundland, recommended if you like a good historical read.

an excellent reconstruction

Johnston's latest novel is an excellent reconstruction of the era of the great explorers -- with all its back-biting and egotism -- as well as a very fine description of New York as it turns into a world capital. Add to that is usual sensitive account of small town Canada and you get a wide-ranging, subtle and fascinating taleof hope and loss. recommended

Excellent novel

very well written and researched story. the relationship that develops between devlin stead (the protaganist) and his benefactor Dr. cook is unique and fascinating. sadly, i think some reviewers on this site have missed the point; the sections of the book devoted to polar exploration are compelling, but they are framework for a more compelling story about relationships. If you enjoy this sort of story i highly recommend his earlier memoir baltimore's mansion.

Not what most think, maybe

For me Wayne Johnston has successfully relayed the central theme of this book. Many may think of the physical ventures and quests to places unknown for exploration. However I interpreted this excellent writing of the quest for exploring life, our origins, our destiny and everything we can fit inbetween to have a radically fullfilled life. This is very good reading. I would suggest a very similar book with the adventure which I actually enjoyed more, SB: 1 or God, subtitled Everyone has the Hidden Question, by Karl Maddox.