Arctic Passage: The Turbulent History of the Land and People of the Bering Sea 1697–1975

A sweeping, authoritative history of the Bering Sea region—centuries of survival, conflict, exploration, and the shaping of the North Pacific world.

A first edition hardcover of Arctic Passage (1975), William R. Hunt’s definitive history of the Bering Sea from 1697 to 1975. Includes dust jacket, clean pages, and 396 pages of richly detailed maritime and cultural history.

An excellent addition to any exploration, Arctic, or maritime collection.

Quick Specs

  • Title: Arctic Passage: The Turbulent History of the Land and People of the Bering Sea 1697–1975
  • Author: William R. Hunt
  • Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons
  • Genre: Maritime History / Exploration History
  • Year: 1975
  • Edition: First Edition (verified by number line)
  • Format: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket
  • Pages: 396
  • Size: 9 x 6 x 1.5 in
  • ISBN: 0-684-14466-2
  • Language: English

What’s Inside

A deeply researched, narrative history covering:

  • The Bering Sea as a crossroads of Asia & North America
  • Russian, American, British, and Native Alaskan interactions
  • Whaling, sealing, and maritime industries
  • Cultural clashes, survival stories, trading routes & frontier expansion
  • Explorers, scientists, fur traders, missionaries, and seafarers
  • Maps, historical accounts, and archival illustrations

An essential reference work for historians, collectors, and readers fascinated by the North Pacific frontier.

Condition: Good / Good Dust Jacket (G/G)

  • Dust jacket shows moderate wear, including edge scuffing, small tears, and mild toning
  • Boards clean with light corner bumps
  • Binding tight and square
  • Pages clean; no writing or underlining observed
  • Expected 1970s page toning
  • A solid, attractive, fully readable first edition copy

Author William R. Hunt

William R. Hunt is a respected historian of the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan region, known for his meticulous documentation of exploration, indigenous history, and maritime frontiers.

Disclaimer

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device may display colors slightly differently.
Care & Handling: Store upright and out of direct sunlight; handle gently to preserve mid-century paper. If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.