"Explorers and Travellers" by A. W. Greely is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work compiles sketches of notable American explorers and their contributions to the geographic discovery of North America. It begins with the examination of figures like Louis Joliet, who played significant roles in uncovering and charting the vast landscapes of what would become the United States. The opening of the book establishes Greely's intention to highlight the often-overlooked achievements of American explorers. He discusses the significance of the Mississippi River basin and introduces Louis Joliet's explorations, including his partnership with Jesuit priest Jacques Marquette. The text details their journey from Quebec through the Great Lakes and into the Mississippi River, portraying Joliet as a skilled navigator who faced numerous challenges. Their expedition aimed to facilitate trade and strengthen ties with various Native American tribes while also advancing the geographical knowledge of the region. The narrative reflects not just on their discoveries but also the historical context of exploration during that period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)