The Drums of Tonkin: An Adventure in Indonesia

by Helen Schreider, Frank Schreider

For thirteen months, on assignment for National Geographic, the Schreiders traversed the entire Indonesian archipelago -- 3000 islands. They navigated most of their journey in Tortuga II, a modified Ford GPA WWII Seagoing Jeep. This book describes their trip, including many detailed cultural observations and experiences.

319 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Helen (Armstrong) Schreider (born May 3, 1926) and Frank Schreider (born January 8, 1924; died January 21, 1994) were explorers in the mid 20th century, known for traveling by amphibious jeep. National Geographic hired them after their first independent journey from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego (1954–56). They were the first people to travel the length of the Americas solely by means of their own power. They completed six additional expeditions through National Geographic, working freelance at first and later as foreign editorial staff, for fifteen years, from 1956 to 1970. They worked as a team and lived for periods of time in about 50 countries on five continents. Helen and Frank Schreider were known for their ability to write, photograph and film within the cultures they visited. They wrote three books, six major articles for National Geographic, and contributed to nine other books. They also made three separate nationwide speaking tours with their films.

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written, well organized, a pleasant look back to ancient history which how it seems the 1960s were compared to travel in that part of the world today. One of the greatest problems the author had was to keep his dog from being shot. No thoughts of terrorist.