White Waters and Black
With a wicked eye for absurdities, Gordon MacCreagh recounts his adventures with eight “Eminent Scientificos” as they set out to explore the Amazon in 1923 without any idea of what lies ahead of them: rapids, malaria, monkey stew, and “dangerous savages.” A combination of Twain’s The Innocents Abroad and a cautionary tale for explorers, this is one of the most honest accounts ever written of a scientific expedition.
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(out of 12 reviews)
List Price: $ 11.95
Price: $ 12.95
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A wonderful book about the scientific experience, although the author promises not to write anything of scientific value. Humerous, astonishing, exciting, touching and gripping are some of the best words to describe this story of scientists on a 2 year quest to explore unknown regions of the Amazonian basin. I re-read it often. My father knew one of the original explorers and I am lucky enough to know who the un-named emminent scientists were which gives it an added edge of enjoyment.
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This is truly one of the all time best of the travel genre. It recounts the adventures of a group of mismatched scientists and academics led by the narrator, a witty raconteur more than equal to the demands of both the characters and the journey. The narrator takes us over the Andes to the headwaters of the Amazon River, and then down the river until the expedition finally expires halfway to their intended destination: the mouth of the Amazon. Their encounters with parasites, water hazards, jungle dwellers, and each other make for the fastest 400 pages you will ever read
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I can’t believe you can get this book used! I own three copies and I don’t even loan it out. This is a terrific expedition book and a wonderful book about being human. My family was thrilled to know that this book was being re-issued. Like one of the other reviewers, I was brought up knowing who the various scientists were because my father had worked with a colleague. It gave us plesure to know the names, some of whom were quite well known even today. It was also nice to know that at least for the eminent icthyolgist and the eminent entomologist the work that they produced from this expedition was very useful. I have recommmened this book countless times, and get copies for friends I really like.
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MacCreagh offers us a hilarious glimpse at what happens when biologists used to sitting at museum desks launch an expedition to collect specimens in the Bolivian Amazon in the 1920′s. MacCreagh, the Tim Cahill of his time, recounts with wit and humor countless misadventures involving deadly rapids, suffocating swamps and close encounters with the natives. Nothing is as fascinating, however, as how formerly civilized scientists behave in the wilderness. One of the very best South American travel/adventure books of all time
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This book is hilariously enjoyable. MacCreagh`s perspective and presentation are both subtle and overt. It is a shame that this book is no longer easily available, because I won’t lend my copy for fear it won’t come back. If the publishers won`t reprint, find a copy and read it.