Here is the cultural biography of Elisha Kane, a sickly physician, who transformed himself into an internationally celebrated Arctic explorer and author before his untimely death in 1857. This book is an important reinterpretation of the life of a prototypically American figure. Following Kane’s exploits from the Mexican War through his arctic adventures and ill—fated romance with the Spiritualist medium Margaret Fox, author Sawin ties this Kane into the main currents of mid—19th cent. popular culture, opening a new vista on the meanings of masculinity, celebrity, and heroism. This is an exhaustive research work into the life and accomplishments of a remarkable adventurer, and a sociological analysis of popular perceptions of Kane’s work and feats. Illus.