Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Kon-Tiki

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 6,978 ratings · 419 reviews

Five men in search of a mythical hero journey from Peru to Polynesia in this classic account of nautical adventure.

This enriched classic edition includes:

Detailed explanatory notes
Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work
A unique visual essay of the voyage

Paperback, 240 pages

Published May 1st 1990 by Rand McNally (first published 1946)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Favourite Travel Books

20th out of 767 books — 1,212 voters

Tales of Adventure

6th out of 214 books — 237 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 23, 2008 Blair rated it 5 of 5 stars

A crazy man with a migration theory tries to convince his Scandinavian buddies to float across the Pacific with him on a balsa wood raft in order to give credence to the theory. As they value adventure more than their lives, they are persuaded to join.

Follow his trail from the conception of the theory to the felling of the balsa wood trees, and from the launching of the craft to its disastrous landing on a fragile South Pacific island.

This is the story of Thor Heyerdahl's original voyage. He wou...more

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Erik Graff rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: want-to-be adventurers, sailors

Recommended to Erik by: Anne-Lise Graff

Shelves: travel

Every Norwegian family we knew had a copy of this book on their shelves. I read it with much familial encouragement at an early age, mostly as a travel adventure, which it is, and not so much with any regard for the scientific hypothesis the author was testing. Aku-Aku followed soon thereafter.

In 1978, in the summer following seminary graduation, I was invited by mother to visit her in Oslo before moving from New York City back to Chicago. It was a great trip filled with many memorable events. O...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2009 K.D. Oliveros rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to K.D. by: 501 Must Read Books

Shelves: 501, adventure, history

What's in the book cover is correct: "once you start reading this, you cannot put it down". It's an excellent adventure non-fiction book and when I saw Aku-Aku in Booksale, I bought it right away. The vivid narration was so effective that I could actually smell the sea while reading the novel. This was published in 1950 but it is still exciting and informative. I had no chance yet to go the Polynesian islands and South America but after reading the book, I thought I could visualize those places....more

like · see review

Dec 09, 2008 Mukikamu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Is there a greater classic among adventure books than the reckless Thor Heyerdahl’s story about a 104 day long raft ride through the Pacific in 1947? It is just as crazy as it is heroic and makes your jaw drop everytime. The 6 men fighting the elements on a hand-made balsa wood vesel are at the mercy of the acient Gods of South America and the Pacific. Encounters with wonderful Verne-like creatures of the sea bring the Pacific to life. Squids and giant sharks are right under your feet, fish and...more

7 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2009 Lorenzo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: norwegian, 2009-readings, aaa-my-library

What are Six Norwegian Men doing on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?

This question may sound as the beginning of a funny joke or as a riddle, but in fact is the story behind the Kon-Tiki travel. Thor Heyerdahl was certainly a dreamer, but not a stupid. He surrounded himself of practical and tough men for his "suicidal expedition" with the aim of proving his own theory about colonization of a bunch of the most isolated islands of this world.

The book turned out to be less scientific and d...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 12, 2008 Annalisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Annalisa by: Kelly Olsen

Shelves: book-club, memoir-biography

When nobody believed his theory that the Polynesian islands were settled by travelers from Peru because they had no boats, Thor set out to prove his theory by building his own raft ala early Peruvian civilization and sailing across the Pacific. What amazed me was his determination and optimism. When naval officials inspected the raft prior to departure and insisted he was sailing off to his eminent death and he abort, instead of being discouraged or fearful, Thor was confident his expedition wou...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 18, 2007 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice quick read that I picked up at Elliot Bay Book Company on the way home from BST class. It was cheap, and it was on National Geographic's list of '100 greatest adventure books of all time'. I am going to read all of these. All of the books that I've read that happen to be on that list are ones that I have really enjoyed and would recommend. My favorite part about reading this one was that I would read it during breaks of my BST class and this salty middle-aged gentleman named Bill...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2008 Cassie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having read this book on a catamaran with a broken engine limping its way from Miami to Panama, I think I have an interesting viewpoint on the stories. I found myself reading passages out loud over and over again, remarking on the sheer insanity of this man and his companions.

Baiting sharks, drifting along currents on a raft he had no idea was going to hold together, living on a diet of whatever they could catch to supplement provisions...it's startling and a fantastic adventure. I also found my...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 07, 2008 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: True adventure fans

Recommended to Michael by: Had never heard of it. Happened on it at the Old Book Barn, Deca

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 02, 2008 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was such an adventure! Not only was it full of interesting theories and facts, but it was a story told by a supreme storyteller.

It is the true account of six men who, when no professor or institution of higher learning would publish their academic theories on the origin of the Polynesian people (because no one could believe that Peruvians in 500 AD had the technology to travel across the wide pacific), travelled by RAFT (made of logs and rope...no nails or chains) from Peru to the Sou...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 17, 2009 Bob Redmond rated it 4 of 5 stars

In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian anthropologist, decided to prove his theory that ancient people from what is now Peru sailed on rafts 4,000 miles across the South Pacific to what is now Polynesia. All trained sailors and scientists told him it was not possible, depsite compelling circumstantial evidence: archeological, linguistic, and geological, not to mention existing trade winds and ocean currents. They said it was a suicide mission and only took bets on how many days the company would l...more In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian anthropologist, decided to prove his theory that ancient people from what is now Peru sailed on rafts 4,000 miles across the South Pacific to what is now Polynesia. All trained sailors and scientists told him it was not possible, depsite compelling circumstantial evidence: archeological, linguistic, and geological, not to mention existing trade winds and ocean currents. They said it was a suicide mission and only took bets on how many days the company would last before they sank, smashed to bits, were washed off the raft by raging seas, ran out of food, were blown off course, foundered in a sea, burned up in the sun, lost their minds, or got eaten by sharks.

Heyerdahl thought it was possible--all he needed to do was find 5 other crazy scientists and scholars to go with him, get funding and cooperation from three or four governments, convince natives in the Andes to help him harvest some giant trees and drag them from the height of the Andean mountains down a river to the coast and then 1,000 miles to Peru, build an authentic replica of a 6th century raft (based on Spanish descriptions from the 16th century), launch it, figure out how to steer it, and sail it for over three months through shark-infested waters until they'd essentially float by their destination and somehow land on islands surrounded by dangerous coral reefs.

Possible? Heyerdahl and his five compatriots did it--an amazing journey that has the reader head-shaking and mouth agape throughout. As thrillingly inspiring is the story, the emotional undertow is the suspicion that the adventure is rare not for its success, but for its non-colonial, open-hearted purpose. How many journeys were undertaken with the aim of pillage and subjugation of a people? Heyerdahl, on the other hand, proves some ancient history and suggests that the ocean might bring people together rather than keep them apart.

WHY I READ THIS BOOK: I read this book for a book club. I would never have read it, or possibly even known of its existence, without the reading assignment--here's to the unexpeted mind expansion!(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 04, 2013 Deborah Blair rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: archelology, inspiration-self-help

Kon-Tiki was one of the inspirations of my childhood and teens. I found this book in the Westport Connecticut adult library at the age of ten and was so fascinated and inspired I read it once a year until early adulthood.

Archeology, mythology and fairy tales were big subjects of interest for me in my childhood limited by genetic illness and chronic bronchitis that kept me often confined to bed and horrific physical and emotional abuse by a top pharmaceutical industry father and Debutante mother...more

like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Gale rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

KON TIKI
"The Resilience of the Human Mind and Spirit"

This dramatic narrative of an actual ocean voyage on a balsa raft proves interesting reading while providing anthropological food for thought. Complemented by black and white photographs of various phases of the amazing journey this novel by Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl has been translated into many languages—having captured the imagination of civilizations around the world. Desperate to prove his theory of the colonization of Polynesia by anc...more KON TIKI
"The Resilience of the Human Mind and Spirit"

This dramatic narrative of an actual ocean voyage on a balsa raft proves interesting reading while providing anthropological food for thought. Complemented by black and white photographs of various phases of the amazing journey this novel by Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl has been translated into many languages—having captured the imagination of civilizations around the world. Desperate to prove his theory of the colonization of Polynesia by ancient Peruvians the intrepid adventurer—not a sailor himself—gradually obtained permission from various international authorities and filled out a crew of 6 who believed in his endeavor. Five Norwegians and one Swede embarked on a dangerous mission: to sail to Polynesia from the coast of South America, using only the natural fibers (no metal!) which were available to the ancient explorers and oceanic colonizers.

Narrated faithfully in the first person this novel is a classic of the Survival genre, for it depicts incredible hardships and suffering from the unbridled elements—the sea, weather and all forms of animal life. Yet KON TIKI’s 97-day voyage proved even more than the author’s theory, which reinforced ancient legends about the sun-god Kon Tiki’s daring quest to seek a haven for his people in the South Pacific. These 230 pages reveal the innate resilience of the human mind—to overcome obstacles and challenges with little outside human contact (eventually CB radio). Obviously this trip taxed both their ingenuity to prepare for all events in advance and their physical endurance at the start of their trip and the nearly fatal navigation over the cruel reef. But beyond that the voyage tested the human spirit which had to adapt quickly to the sea’s moods, fluctuations in weather, their own personality quirks, and eventually interaction with natives.

Toward the end of the book TH proudly states his discovery that ”there is greater strength in the human mechanism than that of muscles alone.” I believe he was referring not only to the mental agility necessary to face each new maritime challenge, but more importantly: the power of the human spirit to Dream beyond boundaries prescribed by science, to Trust that their course is right and their goals valid, and to Hope for a positive outcome. Several times the small crew was separated which caused great anguish to those still on board, for that unprecedented voyage united them into the tightest family—the family of Man the conqueror. Not a conqueror of nations, but the conqueror of his own destiny. They rode a simple raft into the annals of modern history and in so doing validated the navigational skills and resourcefulness of the ancients.

(November 30, 2012 I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

(less)

like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 06MckayF rated it 2 of 5 stars

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury I intend to prove that, even though I read this book for an assignment in my science class, the book, Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl is an ok read for young adults. Although the book is a non-fiction, fact based, scientific story, there were also parts of it that were very interesting and exciting. The story is narrated in the first person by Heyerdahl and is the true story of the grand adventure he had on his balsa raft the Kon Tiki. Heyerdahl was trying to prove h...more Ladies and gentlemen of the jury I intend to prove that, even though I read this book for an assignment in my science class, the book, Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl is an ok read for young adults. Although the book is a non-fiction, fact based, scientific story, there were also parts of it that were very interesting and exciting. The story is narrated in the first person by Heyerdahl and is the true story of the grand adventure he had on his balsa raft the Kon Tiki. Heyerdahl was trying to prove his theory about ancient peoples travelling across the ocean to the Polynesian Islands. Heyerdahl believed that ocean travel was possible for ancient cultures and hoped to test his theory by following the sea route from Peru to Polynesia. He encountered many challenges while trying to prove his theory and Heyerdahl’s adventures and scientific notes are chronicled in the book. The main issue addressed in the book relates to Heyerdahl’s theory of sea travel and that sometimes even things that seem improbable are possible.
One of the problems that I faced while reading Kon Tiki was that some of the scientific facts and information recorded in the book tended to go on and on. I thought some of the topics Heyerdahl talked about didn’t even need to be in the book. For example I felt Heyerdahl’s information about “The Fascination of Easter Island” was unnecessary. It didn’t seem to relate to the rest of the book and I had a really hard time reading through that part of the book. It was interesting for the author, but it wasn’t for me.
Another problem that is had with Kon Tike was the ending. I felt like it didn’t answer enough questions I had while reading the book. If I read a book, especially a book based on science and facts, I want it to have all my questions answered. This was not the case with this book. For instance some of the questions I was left wondering about were: Did the scientific community accept Heyerdahl’s theory and how the expedition affected the other members of Heyerdahl’s team.
Another problem I had was with the ending of the book; “But the six of us on deck standing beside our nine dear balsa logs, were grateful to be alive.” I felt it ended too abruptly and didn’t give enough closure by talking about what happened after the journey to Heyerdahl himself and his team. Beside these few flaws in the book, there were also things about this book that I really did enjoy.
One thing that I like about this book was the fact that it had a good message. One of the main messages that I took away from this book was that if you believe in something you should work hard to accomplish it and not give up. Heyerdahl faced a lot of criticism about his theory of ancient sea travel and many people thought he was crazy. He was told “your wrong, absolutely wrong!” many times while trying to finance his expedition. But despite what others thought he was determined to prove them wrong and believed in himself and his theory. This was shown a lot throughout this book.
Another good thing about this book was how it kept my imagination always thinking and wondering with the interesting description of things the expedition team saw and did. For instance here is a description of one of the animals seen in the ocean while on the Kon Tiki
raft: “the head was broad and flat like a frogs, with two small eyes… and a toadlike jaw”. I kept asking myself what is it, is it dangerous? We eventually find out what it is, but up until that point I kept wondering what it could be. The suspense created by the events at sea sparked my imagination and made the story interesting.
Finally, the most important point the book made and what I liked the best was the fact that as crazy as Heyerdahl’s theory sounded, sometimes even things that seem improbable are possible. This was a good lesson for me to learn and apply to my own life.
Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl is an ok book to read. At times it can give you a little too much information and not explain everything the way one might like, but it is also filled with interesting and imaginative descriptions, a good message and ideas that one can apply to his own life. I recommend as a good book.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Sundeep Naidu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-kind, favourites, adventure

230 pages full of adventure...

The starting few pages deal with the theory that Polynesians may have originated in South America. Many of the scientists claim that the expedition was impossible provided the absence of seafaring technology during those days, unlike now. So Thor Heyerdahl, the author, with a small crew take up the journey themselves.

It is just like the caption says, 'Across pacific on a raft'.

They - the six members - build a raft and cross, almost, 4300 nautical miles all the way f...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 14, 2012 Kari rated it 5 of 5 stars

I give it five stars because I agree with his ideas, the story was never boring, and I was very glad that at no point did the classiness of the story of six men alone together for months degenerate into something I don't want to know about. Some may try to say something happened anyway, but at least it didn't make it into the book.

Also, it was interesting that at other times when I've read books of fierce adventure like this, I've simply been envious of the perseverance or glad their problems of...more

like · see review

Mar 08, 2012 06ellaj rated it 4 of 5 stars

As you read the book Kon-Tiki, you’ll join Thor Heyerdahl and the rest of the crew on a thrilling adventure across the ocean. As you travel, you’ll see millions of fish, rare underwater creatures, and plenty of sharks. Along with all the adventure, you’ll also discover some interesting scientific principles. Throughout the book, you’ll come to understand how it feels to be covered in salt water, and how wonderful it is to be on solid ground. It’s a really well written book, and the author’s wri...more As you read the book Kon-Tiki, you’ll join Thor Heyerdahl and the rest of the crew on a thrilling adventure across the ocean. As you travel, you’ll see millions of fish, rare underwater creatures, and plenty of sharks. Along with all the adventure, you’ll also discover some interesting scientific principles. Throughout the book, you’ll come to understand how it feels to be covered in salt water, and how wonderful it is to be on solid ground. It’s a really well written book, and the author’s writing style is easy to understand. While reading it, you learn about some of the many characteristics of water, and other scientific principles. It even has some elements of history!

The book starts out explaining Thor’s idea and then his theory. When his theory develops he’s studying animals, but to more easily conduct his research and test his theory he switches to studying primitive people. His theory is that the people who currently live in Polynesia sailed across the ocean on rafts from Peru. Because both people from Peru and Polynesia believed in a god named Tiki, made the same sorts of rock sculptures, and had long ears, Thor concluded that the people came from Peru to Polynesia. Further research shows records of an unknown group of people that lived in Peru and then vanished off the face of the earth. He decided that he was going to test his theory, and soon afterwards started his adventure across the ocean. Knowing what we know about history, he knew that the people that vanished off the coast of Peru didn’t have the skills or the materials to build the kinds of ships we have today. He researched the kinds of materials, skills, and the types of water transportation that were used during that time period, and built a raft accordingly. He used the same type of wood and ropes as would have been present at that time. He even made sure that the timber was freshly cut, like it would have been when the primitive people living in Peru sailed across the Pacific. To test his theory, he and five other men sailed across the ocean on that raft until they eventually reached one of the Polynesian islands.

Kon-Tiki is a very well written book. It uses just the right amount of details and throughout the entire story you understand everything that’s going on. The description of the whale shark and the remarkable information about the sharks and squids is incredible. You really feel like you’re on a raft, peering down into the ocean below you and watching the amazing creatures below you. When he tells about the storms that they sailed through, you feel as though you’re aboard the raft, seeing and feeling everything the characters are. I have to admit, some parts of the book are a little boring when not much is going on, but when anything exciting happens, it’s amazing to read about it. The author definitely paints a picture in your mind of what’s happening, and helps you understand the whole story as well as the small details. Some books I have a hard time reading because the author’s writing style doesn’t make sense to me, but the writing style in this book is perfect. While I was reading I understood everything and it all made sense to me. I was able to enjoy it and understand it all at the same time!

Oddly enough, while reading this book I learned a lot about history and science. It’s more of an adventure book, so it was great that I was able to learn while reading it. At the beginning of the book there’s a long section about why Thor Heyerdahl believes that the people currently living in Polynesia came from Peru. It gives a lot of historical facts about the people of Polynesia and Peru, which I think are really interesting. You really get to know the background of the

Polynesian people and learn a little bit about their culture. This book also has a little bit of science in it. While reading it I was also learning about the properties of water, so I understood why some of the things that happened took place. Water is one of the biggest factors in erosion, so it’s amazing that they were even able to get across the ocean without the logs or the ropes being eroded into dust.

Kon-Tiki is one of the greatest adventure books ever written. It’s even a true story, so it’s incredible that they were able to make it across the ocean alive. Because the book’s written in such incredibly great detail, you feel as though you’ve just been on an incredible journey when they get to the islands. While reading you can learn a lot about history and even about science! It’s an educational, interesting and fun book to read, so join Thor, Knut, Torstein, Erik, Herman, and Bengt on their adventure across the ocean. Happy reading!

(less)

like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 06charitiJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-reports

Kon-Tiki was a very well-written book by the explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The story was about six men crossing the Pacific on a raft to support a theory. There was both science and geography involved in this book - it could be for almost all ages to read. It was also packed with information that Thor and his men collected along the way.

"Kon-Tiki" was the name of a balsa raft that was used by six men to cross the Pacific to the Polynesian islands. Thor Heyerdahl wanted to prove his theory that the...more Kon-Tiki was a very well-written book by the explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The story was about six men crossing the Pacific on a raft to support a theory. There was both science and geography involved in this book - it could be for almost all ages to read. It was also packed with information that Thor and his men collected along the way.

"Kon-Tiki" was the name of a balsa raft that was used by six men to cross the Pacific to the Polynesian islands. Thor Heyerdahl wanted to prove his theory that the Polynesian islands were populated from the east, specifically Peru, and did prove his theory by sailing on a balsa raft named after the famous explorer who was said to be a god by the people of Peru. They traced Kon-Tiki's route to get to the islands and collected a lot of data about tides, currents, and sea animals along the way. Thor even sent a letter to Thorstein, another man on the voyage, stating, "Am going to cross Pacific on raft to support a theory." (page 41) He was serious about this voyage and actually learned quite a bit about the ocean and the people which inhabited the islands around Peru.

Kon-Tiki is an interesting book about both exploration and it combined science into it also. The whole crew were very smart about their voyage, as it took a long time to get approval and to actually prepare for the journey. They had all the necessary supplies and even a radio! This book could be for many ages, though it would probably be the best for teens through adults. It would be especially good for those who love books packed with information and also books about exploration. It was also very unique - there were so many detailed descriptions about all the data and new things Thor figured out, he was a great main character because of his determination and ambition. He came up with his theory and actually went through with it; he got direct permission from the government. One of the best quotes by Heyerdahl would have to be "Borders I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." (page 20) It was also interesting how Thor actually wrote the book; he was an explorer and an incredible writer. This book showed that theories can be proven if we put enough time and effort into it.

Kon-Tiki really was a good book. It had so much detail and was suitable for almost all ages, Thor Heyerdahl was an exceptional man with many talent. It had so much information inside it, all packed together around some science and the theme that theories can be proven. The islands on the west of Peru were actually very populated, they just needed someone to prove it and Heyerdahl was the man. This book is an eye-opener and is a good read for almost anyone.(less)

like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 01jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars

For my third term project in Science I read the book Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. This was a good book in many aspects. It was well-written and easy to understand. It was also a very interesting book to read. It taught you to be open to exploring, because it can have good effects. It kept me glued, and had a very great story. It was also bad for one reason. It was boring at some parts but worth it otherwise. This book is based on a true story and is about a group of men. THese men were very brave...more

like · see review

Nov 11, 2011 Conor Bramley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Connor Bramley

Kon Tiki is a great non-fiction story about the endurance and stubbornness of six determined men. Thor Heyerdahl hit every morsel of interest about the journey these men embarked on with excessive and intriguing detail. The personal lives of these men are documented in their journey with an air of suspense and I feared at some points for their lives. They were transformed from landlubbers to salty sea dogs over their months at sea, just to prove a theory that many thought was insan...more Connor Bramley

Kon Tiki is a great non-fiction story about the endurance and stubbornness of six determined men. Thor Heyerdahl hit every morsel of interest about the journey these men embarked on with excessive and intriguing detail. The personal lives of these men are documented in their journey with an air of suspense and I feared at some points for their lives. They were transformed from landlubbers to salty sea dogs over their months at sea, just to prove a theory that many thought was insanity. My interest was sparked early on in the book with the theory of ancient peoples seaward migration. A history of these men of old is also laid out during their journey, and this kept me flipping pages for more. A mysterious white, bearded race of men is said to have lived on Easter Island before the more recent people moved into the solitary home, surrounded by hundreds of miles of water on all sides. Great mysteries about huge statues that were formed on the loneliest island in the pacific with primitive tools still have answers that elude scientists in today’s world. They are thought to have been formed by the mysterious white bearded men, who are a mystery themselves, because no one knows where they originated from. They were completely wiped out when the new race of peoples came to the island.

I liked especially all the information about the animosity and peacefulness of all of the wildlife that interacted with them on they open sea. Shoals of dolphins, hundreds of sharks, even sea monsters are found on these men’s expedition. Hundreds of different sea faring lives were consumed and sometimes discovered by the travelers. A new species of fish was depicted in this book as being discovered by the crew of bearded men.

I really enjoyed the complete authenticity and truthfulness of the story. A sense of adventure is felt while reading about this story. It really does excite to read about knowledge being learned by the entire human race that was unknown before. Its intriguing to think that a major mystery of the world was being discovered and solved not more than 50 years ago. I would recommend this book to any and all people willing to read a kind of old informational book and that have an interest in science and adventure.
(less)

like · see review

Mar 30, 2011 Patrick Gibson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: truth_sort-of

I am ever so glad I discovered the used booksellers at the back of the flea market. I am abounding in cheap older published books I would normally never read and in some cases never hear about.
Case in point:
In 1947, six young Norwegians floated in a balsa-wood raft from Peru to the Polynesian islands of the South Seas. The trip took them 101 days and they traveled 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific without seeing a single other boat or ship. Only occasionally were they able to communicate...more

like · see review

Jan 12, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, 20th-century

When Thor Heyerdahl’s theory that the Polynesian islands could have been settled from the east by Peruvians in pre-Columbian times only got him laughed to scorn, he convinced five of his fellow Scandinavians to help him prove it was possible. In 1947, they set out from Peru on a hand-made, balsa-wood raft with a bamboo cabin and a single sail to make the 4,300 mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.

History, oceanography, marine biology, danger and discovery are all mixed together in this straigh...more

like · see review

Nov 10, 2010 Linnae rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-tales

Heyerdahl had a remarkable theory about the origin of the Polynesian people: that they originated from South America, near Peru, and had come across the ocean in balsa-wood rafts to their new island homes. As evidence of his theory, he pointed to similar stone structures--temples and enormous stone statues--on both sides of the Pacific. There were also many other similarities between the cultures, including the name of their first king--a white-skinned man with red hair, believed to be the son o...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 29, 2009 Whitfield rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was inspirational for several reasons: his action-oriented approach, his modest but amusing storytelling, and his personal relation to our family.

In building a team of crew-members, constructing the Kon-Tiki raft, and then sailing it from Peru to the Polynesian islands, Thor reminds me what it means to be bravely engage life. He shows us all the power of meeting our fears and challenges eye-to-eye. I had a chance to hear him speak before he passed away, and it was obvious he was a man...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 18, 2009 Bruce rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Some books just have to be made into movies. This is one of them, a story of a real, live Indiana Jones. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft chronicles Thor Heyerdahl's quixotic attempt in 1947 to prove his theory that ancient Peruvians (driven out by the Incas) populated Polynesia. See, Heyerdahl made the rounds of museums and academics with an unpublished manuscript arguing that white, bearded Scandinavian-looking types just loaded up these big balsa-wood rafts with coconuts and dried sweet p...more Some books just have to be made into movies. This is one of them, a story of a real, live Indiana Jones. Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft chronicles Thor Heyerdahl's quixotic attempt in 1947 to prove his theory that ancient Peruvians (driven out by the Incas) populated Polynesia. See, Heyerdahl made the rounds of museums and academics with an unpublished manuscript arguing that white, bearded Scandinavian-looking types just loaded up these big balsa-wood rafts with coconuts and dried sweet potatoes and pushed off into the Humboldt Current. The east-west trade winds took them pell-mell the remaining 4,500 miles until they splatted into the corals of Tahiti, there to plant their uneaten leftovers, build pyramidal structures out of stone, and carve graven images a la those on Easter Island. (Those that didn't drown, die of thirst, or get eaten by sharks, that is.) Oh and by the way, balsa wood sinks when it gets water-logged, did you know that?

Bwa-HA-HA-HA! Now, I don't know about you, but when a bunch of lettered gray hairs mock my senior thesis, my first reaction is not usually, "I'll show you!" Which is why I'm not Heyerdahl. He recruits five fellows, builds his raft (no mean feat of logistics this), and then sets off. And lives to tell the tale (no spoiler, this, as you learn of his survival from page one). It's the whole madcap episode that makes this worth reading, and goggling over. Ah, to be a roving anthropologist. I mean, really, what are *we* doing with our lives?

I offer two passages to illustrate just how amazing this worthwhile adventure is:

First, from pp. 36-37, we see just how starved for excitement the post-WWII American military has become, as our intrepid heroes apply for much-needed swag (like waterproof compasses and sleeping bags) from the Navy.

We found that the boss was a little officer with an intensely earnest manner.... He asked us to sit down.

"Well, what do these gentlemen want?" he asked Colonel Lewis sharply, without taking his eyes off mine.

"Oh, a few little things," Lewis hastened to reply. He explained the whole of our errand in outline, while the chief listened patiently without moving a finger.

"And what can they give us in return?" he asked, quite unimpressed.

"Well," said Lewis in a conciliatory tone,...

The intensely earnest officer behind the writing table leaned back in his chair with unaffected slowness, with his eyes still fixed on mine, and I felt myself sinking to the bottom of the deep leather chair as he said coolly: "I don't see at all how they can give us anything in return."

There was dead silence in the room. Colonel Lewis fingered his collar, and neither of us said a word.

"But," the chief suddenly broke out, and now a gleam had come into the corner of his eye, "courage and enterprise count, too. Colonel Lewis, let them have the things!"

So now here they are out at sea with their 684 boxes of pineapple and a British-made Desenex-like anti-shark powder ("Does it work?" "That's what we want you to find out for us."), round about page 158, and they're so ringed round by sharks that merely dropping in a hook brings them up onto the slippery deck of the raft. This passage begins with a direct quote from one of the six men's travel diaries.

The sea was just as full of furious fish backs. Another shark was hooked but broke away just when it was being pulled on board. But then we got a six-foot shark safely on board. After that a five-foot shark, which also came on board. Then we caught yet another six-foot shark and hauled it up. When the hook came out again, we hauled in a seven-foot shark.

Wherever we walked on deck, there were big sharks lying in the way, beating their tails convulsively on the deck or thrashing against the bamboo cabin as they snapped around them. Already tired and worn out when we began to fish after the storm, we became completely befuddled as to which sharks were quite dead, which were still snapping convulsively if we went near them, and which were quite alive and were lying in ambush for us with their green cat's eyes. When we had nine big sharks lying round us in every direction, we were so weary of hauling on heavy lines and fighting with the twisting and snapping giants that we gave up after five hours' toil.

Next day... we began to fish and haul them in again but soon stopped when we perceived that all the fresh shark's blood that ran off the raft only attracted still more sharks. We threw all the dead sharks overboard and washed the whole deck clean of blood. The bamboo mats were torn by shark teeth and rough sharkskin, and we threw the bloodiest and most torn of them overboard....

Hyperbole ya think? Well, let me tell you, the edition I read included the requisite maps -- and pictures. In the years long before Photoshop, I can positively attest that thems was a lot o' sharks.

What's that? No, no, I can't be bothered to argue right now, I'm working up a screenplay.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 07, 2009 Mazel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: récit

6 hommes. 9 troncs de balsa.

8 000 kilomètres à travers le Pacifique, 97 jours de mer entre Lima et l'atoll polynésien de Raroïa.

Voici résumée en chiffres une aventure désormais mythique, montée par une bande de marins d'eau douce, aussi jeunes qu'écervelés. Mais têtus.

Sans argent, sans moyens, riche de son seul enthousiasme, Heyerdahl voulait prouver au monde que les ancêtres des Incas étaient allés peupler la Polynésie sur leurs frêles radeaux en bois.

Le récit de cette fabuleuse épopée sonn...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 15, 2009 Andy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: when-i-was-a-boy

This was possibly the first grown-up books I ever read, and I was beautifully lost in this faraway world described by this amazing man and his determination to explore and prove the journey of south americans to Polynesia by balsa wood raft.
I must have been about 13 or 14 and I remember skipping some of the (I reckoned) boring bits (I'm still a bit like that...)the beginning (...a lot actually) about getting funds and cutting red tape, but, oh! making the raft and then drifting across the Pacif...more

like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 02EzraS rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kon-Tiki
By: Ezra Schut

The book Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl is a truly amazing story. It is about his ocean voyage across the pacific, in an attempt to prove his theory. His theory was that, due to the similarities between the to cultures, that natives from Peru had populated the islands of the south pacific. You may find his story very interesting.
His theory was a very sound one at the time and still is. He tried to see what some other people of some knowledge thought. Most of them didn’t believ...more Kon-Tiki
By: Ezra Schut

The book Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl is a truly amazing story. It is about his ocean voyage across the pacific, in an attempt to prove his theory. His theory was that, due to the similarities between the to cultures, that natives from Peru had populated the islands of the south pacific. You may find his story very interesting.
His theory was a very sound one at the time and still is. He tried to see what some other people of some knowledge thought. Most of them didn’t believe him. However he did find interest and soon had an artic explorer and another friend at his side. Incredibly the U.S. Army and the Air force gave them some funding as long as the would test some survival supply’s for them. This greatly improved their chances.
Soon he had all the members of the team assembled. There were six men in all, so they each had a watch of two hours each day and each night. They had their raft built of the balsa wood trees that once covered the area of Peru. They had it built to the specifications that the Spanish explorers said the natives used. It had one sail one steering oar and a hut in the middle. It was extremely basic and was at the complete mercy of the winds. Vines found in the jungle held the logs together. Also in between the logs they would place boards to help with steering. The raft was heavily laden with the supply’s they would need and the gear they needed to test.
When they finally set off they had to be towed out to see but once the got into the Humboldt Current, which runs north then turns west just below the equator. The Humboldt Current is cold water current; this meant that at time it could be a little chilly. Also due to the fact that it is a fairly large current that is driven by the winds, there were some large waves. This didn’t matter because e the water would crash on the end and the flow through the logs easily. This kept thing very dry.
They had brought food but they also had the supply’s to catch fish. Their most common catch was dolphins. No not like the ones at sea world, these were a fish that is kind of flattened and has a tall head. They got so good at catching these that they could do it with their bare hands. Another popular catch was sharks. The caught many of these beasts along their journey but they were still seen every day. The raft was not just there home. Seaweeds and crustaceans made there home under the raft, as did pilot fish and many other kinds of fish.
Through out the book he slowly provides more evidence supporting his claim. There are a lot of things that a student can learn from this book. I have only highlighted some of the exciting things that happen upon their journey and I invite you to do the same.

The End
(less)

like · see review

Apr 20, 2010 Magillicutty rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story, I didn't want it to end. I even stopped reading for a few days when I got to the cliff hanger.

The book came to my attention recently when I happened to see Knut Haugland's obituary in the New York Times. I have a habit of reading obits in the Times. There's usually three online; I figure, if you make it into that group, you probably did some cool shit.

Knut did some cool shit, from his obit:

Fought invading Nazis (Norway), twice captured, twice escaped (once with backf...more

like · see review

May 15, 2010 Rob rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, non-fiction

This book has captivated me for almost thirty years. I recommend it highly, both for those loving adventure yarns and those interested in anthropology. Whenever you watch a show on the Discovery Channel, History, NatGeo, etc., like as not if the person hosting actually goes out to try something the ancients did, he or she owes a debt to Heyerdahl, who helped 'kill' armchair anthropology, and science, really. Kon-Tiki is the book that chronicles the critical moment.

2 likes · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (72)

More editions...

Genres

Non Fiction

227 users

Travel

125 users

Adventure

108 users

History

74 users

Classics

37 users

Autobiography > Memoir

33 users

Biography

30 users

Anthropology

22 users

Science

19 users

Biography Memoir

11 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Thor Heyerdahl

See also ثور هايردال.

Thor Heyerdahl (October 6, 1914, Larvik, Norway – April 18, 2002, Colla Micheri, Italy) was a Norwegian ethnographer and adventurer with a scientific background in zoology and geography. Heyerdahl became notable for his Kon-Tiki expedition, in which he sailed 4,300 miles (8,000 km) by raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands. All his legendary expeditions are shown in th...more See also ثور هايردال.

Thor Heyerdahl (October 6, 1914, Larvik, Norway – April 18, 2002, Colla Micheri, Italy) was a Norwegian ethnographer and adventurer with a scientific background in zoology and geography. Heyerdahl became notable for his Kon-Tiki expedition, in which he sailed 4,300 miles (8,000 km) by raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands. All his legendary expeditions are shown in the Kon-Tiki Museum, Oslo.

Thor Heyerdahl was born in Larvik, the son of master brewer Thor Heyerdahl and his wife Alison Lyng. As a young child, Thor Heyerdahl showed a strong interest in zoology. He created a small museum in his childhood home, with a Vipera berus as the main attraction. He studied Zoology and Geography at University of Oslo. At the same time, he privately studied Polynesian culture and history, consulting what was then the world's largest private collection of books and papers on Polynesia, owned by Bjarne Kropelien, a wealthy wine merchant in Oslo. This collection was later purchased by the University of Oslo Library from Kropelien's heirs and was attached to the Kon-Tiki Museum research department. After seven terms and consultations with experts in Berlin, a project was developed and sponsored by his zoology professors, Kristine Bonnevie and Hjalmar Broch. He was to visit some isolated Pacific island groups and study how the local animals had found their way there. Just before sailing together to the Marquesas Islands in 1936, he married his first wife, Liv Coucheron-Torp (b. 1916), whom he had met shortly before enrolling at the University, and who had studied economics there. Though she is conspicuously absent from many of his papers and talks, Liv participated in nearly all of Thor's journeys, with the exception of the Kon-Tiki Expedition. The couple had two sons; Thor Jr and Bjørn. The marriage ended in divorce and in 1949 Thor Heyerdahl married Yvonne Dedekam-Simonsen. They in turn had three daughters; Annette, Marian and Helene Elisabeth. This marriage also ended in divorce, in 1969. In 1991 Thor Heyerdahl married for the third time, to Jacqueline Beer (b. 1932).

Thor Heyerdahl's grandson, Olav Heyerdahl, retraced his grandfather's Kon-Tiki voyage in 2006, as part of a six-member crew. The voyage, called the Tangaroa Expedition, was intended as a tribute to Thor Heyerdahl, as well as a means to monitor the Pacific Ocean's environment. A film about the voyage is in preparation.
--from Wikipedia(less)

More about Thor Heyerdahl...

Books by Thor Heyerdahl

The Tigris Expedition: In Search of Our Beginnings

Green Was the Earth on the Seventh Day: Memories and Journeys of a Lifetime

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Kon-Tiki

5 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Kon-Tiki

“Если вы не в состоянии справиться с собственными демонами, последнее, что вам остается - дрейфовать посреди Тихого океана на маленьком плоту...” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Kon-Tiki
avg rating	preview: Kon-Tiki Goodreads rating: 4.02 (6978 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/790171.Kon_Tiki?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348547584l/790171.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/790171.Kon_Tiki?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl[/url]

Kon-Tiki

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website