MQUP Author and Franklin Expert Russell A. Potter Comments on Discovery of HMS Terror

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MONTREAL – 12 SEPTEMBER 2016

Sir John Franklin’s long-lost ship, the HMS Terror, has been found in pristine condition at the bottom of of Terror Bay, King William Island, in the Arctic. On Sunday, a team from the charitable Arctic Research Foundation manoeuvred a small, remotely operated vehicle through an open hatch and into the ship, capturing images that give insight into the life aboard the vessel close to 170 years ago. The discovery was reported by The Guardian on 12 September 2016 at 16:59 BST.

Russell Potter, author of Finding Franklin: the Untold Story of a 165-Year Search, had this to say about the discovery of the HMS Terror:

“It’s hard to overestimate the significance of this new and magnificent find: the second ship of Sir John Franklin’s expedition, HMS “Terror,” has been found. Initial images show her to be in far better condition than her sister ship, the “Erebus” (found by Parks Canada searchers in 2014), with her hatches battened, her bowsprit still in place, and many of the glass panes in her captain’s cabin still intact, it’s enough to warm the heart of any marine archaeologist — or perhaps give them a heart attack! – certainly a discovery that exceeds anyone’s (mine included) wildest imaginings as to the vessel’s state of preservation.”

For Russell Potter’s full reaction visit: http://visionsnorth.blogspot.com/2016/09/hms-terror-found-at-last.html

Finding Franklin assembles the stories behind the myth. In compelling prose, Russell Potter details his work
alongside key figures in the era of modern searches for the expedition and elucidates how shared research and ideas have led to a fuller understanding of the Franklin crew’s final months.

“With ambitious scope and profound depth, Potter deftly demonstrates that truth can indeed be stranger and more fascinating than fiction. This seamless blend of research and captivating storytelling showcases the curiosity, frailty, and endurance of the human spirit.” Publishers Weekly

Russell A. Potter is professor of English at Rhode Island College and the author of Arctic Spectacles: The Frozen North in Visual Culture, 1818–1875.

Finding Franklin: the Untold Story of a 165-Year Search will be launched this Wednesday, September 14^th @ Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay Street, Toronto, 6 – 8pm. The event is co-sponsored by The Royal Canadian Geographic Society. Event details.

For further information contact:

Jacqui Davis, Publicist
McGill-Queen’s University Press
Tel – 514 398 2555
Email – jacqueline.davis@mcgill.ca