The Lost Kingdom by Matthew J. Kirby (review)

With the French and their Indian allies claiming ever more territory to the West, British colonists are seeking support wherever they can find it. In this historical fantasy, Benjamin Franklin, botanist John Bartram and his son William, and several colleagues from the American Philosophical Society plan an expedition to track down a band of Welsh-speaking Indians, reputed to be descendants of a colony founded by Prince Madoc centuries earlier. Pursued by French military forces and a voracious predator, the "bear-wolf," the scientists fly through the Ohio Valley on an airship based on the design of seventeenth-century inventor Francesco Lana de Terzi. There is clearly a spy aboard the airship, and John Bartram, whose father was killed by Indians, suspects their interpreter, Andrew, who is half Indian. This bigoted belief frequently jeopardizes the success of the mission and fractures the relationship between John and William, who prefers to make his own judgments and form his own friendships. Kirby crafts an intriguing alternative history, using real-life players such as the Bartrams, real-life events such the the French and Indian Wars, and even real-life legends and rumors such as Prince Madoc, herds of extant mastodons, and a fabled fountain of youth. Unfortunately, the climax capsizes the delicately balanced plot, with too many fantasy elements simultaneously engaging, bringing the adventure to a disappointing end. This is nonetheless an inventive take on colonial history that cunningly highlights the eccentric beliefs of some of the most enlightened eighteenth-century minds. An historical note is appended.