Explorers of the Amazon

by Anthony Smith

At present, Anthony Smith is fitting up a home-made steamboat, in which he will spend the better part of the next two years investigating the Amazon, the "world's largest river and holder of the most superlatives". He concentrates in this, the first of two books, on the most illustrious of the Amazon's explorers, beginning with Cabral, the Portugese explorer credited with having discovered Brazil in 1500, and ending with the last major expedition 392 years later. In that time the world has changed dramatically (the time-span roughly parallels that between Styvesant's arrival in Manhattan and the present day) although the Amazon will appear almost the same to the modern adventurer as it seemed to the first men that set eyes, or sail, upon it. A riotously colorful history of adventures, chronicling more than 400 years in the exploration of the world's most formidable and enigmatic river system. Photographs and maps.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 1990

Reviews

[Joe Ward]

I've had this book for years but have only now read it. Maybe I took so long because I thought it would be dry reading. If so, I was wrong. This is a wonderful read, full of information and as exciting as any novel. The chapter on Lope de Aguirre is alone worth the purchase price. What a super pirate that guy was! I wondered how the author could leave out Bates and Wallace but they're in here, too, in the chapter about Spruce and Wickham, the guys who stole the Cinchona tree (source of quinine) and the rubber tree, respectively, from South America. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

[David Cooper]

I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter deals with a different expedition. It is told in a clear style that allows you to absorb the facts involved.

[Douglas]

A bit English in parts in that written-35-years-ago way, but quite good.

[Dennis]

Very interesting as a followup to "z". I only read the few Explorers mentioned in "Z". Many of the dangers and logistics incountered by Fawcett are also mentioned in "Explorers of the Amazon", with the exception of the mass killings,and the frequent use of boats(or simular crafts) sited in the "Explorers of the Amazon"

On another note, the viciousness of the Spanish explorers is quite unnerving. You don't get the whole picture in the grammer school books. Mr Anthony Smith lays it out in plain english.

Will likely go back at a later date and read about the other Amazon explorers in the book.

[Rafelmenmell]

interesante pero un poco superficial. podría ser mucho más sugestivo.