The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough - 4.5 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough - 4.5* - My Review

History of the building of the Panama Canal, including the debate about its location, construction of the railroad, initial failed attempt by France, the US involvement, engineering challenges, depiction of the many diseases, hardships endured by the workers, and much more. It is structured chronologically in three segments. The first includes the scouting of the site and describes the failed privately financed French project, the second covers the interest of the Americans and Panama’s independence, and the third includes the start and completion of the canal. I enjoy the way David McCullough takes a comprehensive approach. He includes the personalities of the main players, the politics behind decisions, financial considerations, vast improvements in medical treatments over the course of the project, and the technological advancements that facilitated overcoming several former obstacles. It encompasses the entire time frame (1870-1914). It immerses the reader in a past time period and highlights the many cultural differences. It shatters a few myths. It felt a little too detailed at times, but I am not sure what I would have left out. Overall, I found it fascinating.

4.5

PBT Comments: It may seem strange that I put this under "adventure" but it definitely qualifies. The people who built this canal definitely were on a grand adventure and faced an almost unbelievable number of challenges (disease, climate, terrain, accidents, physical efforts, etc.) It is tagged Adventure x9.