The author has left no stone unturned, nor any document unread in her portrait of the man and his times. Stories of the western lakes region with its untapped copper mines inspired Jolliet to undertake an expedition with Marquette into unexplored waters of the Mississippi. Thus began a career of travel and adventure that earned a permanent place in history for Louis Jolliet. This is competent informed writing that will appeal to those with a taste for history.