The Northwest Passage has captured the imagination of nations and explorers for hundreds of years. And today, as global warming reshapes geography, trade along the passage is becoming a reality for the first time. The Northwest Passage provides a sweeping history of the route from the earliest attempts to navigate through its punishing landscape to breaking news about its economic viability in modern day.

Introduction: Crossing the Arctic -- Trade before the Northwest Passage -- Foundations and explorations -- Goods and services -- The major players -- The effects of the Northwest Passage -- The future of the Northwest Passage -- Glossary.