Check Mate!: Two Boys Experience the Life and Death Fight for Control of the Hudson Bay Fur Trade

Just how did he do it? How did Pierre LeMoyne d'Iberville-alone, outgunned, and outnumbered-defy what should have been a rout for the English! Instead, he sinks a Royal Navy vessel with all hands onboard, captures a second ship, and chases off a third! Few Canadians know of this classic 17th century encounter on Hudson Bay. How did geography, distance, and a final ironic historical twist of fate leave everyone shaking their heads in disbelief, make tatters of his victory, and deny Iberville super hero status in France? All the answers to these and other lifealtering questions are explained through the eyes and experiences of two twelve-year-old boys on opposite sides of this epic battle.

Learn more about Check Mate! at www.checkmatebook.com

Chris Milligan and David Smith are formerly classroom teachers and McGill University professors. Their interest in ships began nearly two decades ago when they were commissioned to research and publish a field study guide to Le Pélican. They subsequently continued their collaboration in the writing of academic articles on maritime history. For both, CHECK MATE! is a first historical novel.