5 comments about A River Running West: The Life of John Wesley Powell.

1. I enjoyed this book immensely. Thorough, evocative, thrilling, and comprehensive in its scope, it was a delight from beginning to end.
   I completed a major in Geography at Illinois State University many years ago, where Powell taught at one time, and I am embarrassed to admit the sad truth that in all the courses I took nary a word was ever mentioned about the great man. Considering his extraordinary contribution to our understanding of the natural world, it is all too sad.



2. The book is well written and informative about the events of Powell's life and the geological survey in which Powell played such a major role. My primary disappointment with the book was that I felt I didn't know the person John W. Powell much better after reading the book. The book provided very little information about Powell's life outside of his work.



3. Reading this book was like being present at the creation of America. It will appeal especially to U.S. history buffs and to anyone interested in the American West. Worster's telling of the feat that won Powell fame, leading the first expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, has definitely renewed my passion for exploring the West. Powell was a man of ideas, as well as action. For a quarter century he was at the forefront of debates over reserving land for American Indians, how to foster family farming in the arid West, and the thorny issue of water rights. For many years, Powell was a prominent official in Washington, as head of the U.S. Geological Survey, which he helped create, and in other positions. From what I gather in this book, Powell may have been as important as any single individual in making support of scientific research a normal function of the Federal Government. From the perspective of one man's career, Worster touches on a multitude of topics: railroads, telegraph, photography, landscape painting of the West, Mormon settlements, and many more. For the comprehension one gains of American life in those times, this biography is the equal of a first rate novel. Although a work of scholarship, it is written to be enjoyed by the general reader.



4. The title a River Running West is something of a misnomer. One could infer from this title that the bulk of this work centers upon Powell's Colorado River excursions (the front cover might lead one to believe so as well), yet barely 1/5th of it actually does. The beginning, as to be expected, recounts the early years of John Wesley Powell, but the entire second half of this weighty tome is dedicated to his time in Washington DC as head of the USGS. Indeed, to be fully accurate, if matching title to content, a more appropriate appellation might be A Bureaucrat in the East, but bureaucracy just doesn't sell well.
   
   Worster's underlying thread in this effort is Powell's transition from son of devout Methodists to enlightened, agnostic scientist. All well and good, if this is the Powell story. But, Worster bangs this drum so incessantly that it leaves one wondering if he was more concerned with Powell's religious upbringing than Powell himself. There's a whiff here of an agenda.
   
   To be fair, the Colorado River excursions are suspensefully told, but as with most books of the genre, the maps are sparse and dreadful. I can't believe I am in the minority for desiring detailed maps with which I might closely trace the route of intrepid explorers. This becomes especially desirous when I have personally visited sites along their journey for then I may more accurately transform the text into mental imagery. But with sub-par maps containing spotty detail and far too many blank spaces, this becomes a mere exercise in frustration.
   
   Despite this, Worster's biography of Powell is no less than mediocre. It follows the standard format of the genre leaving the reader educated if not exactly enthralled. It is not a book I leapt towards at every opportunity, though there was no need to coerce myself into continuing. A River Running West is but an average account of an indomitable man synonymous with western expansion. 3 stars.



5. My comment at the end of my title refers to Wallace Stegner's "Beyond the 100th Meridian." While that is a very good book, it comes close to perpetuating a myth of Saint John Wesley Powell.
   
   Compared to Stegner, who may be a point of reference for many readers curious about this book, Worster paints a far more complete picture of Powell, delving much deeper into journals and letters kept by colleagues, underlings, and exploratory co-travlers of his.
   
   We see a Powell who was NOT totally Stegner's beknighted prophet of a kinder, gentler Western development. Powell did favor independent farmers over corporate conglomerates, but just as much as Nevada's Sen. Stewart, he wanted to drain every last drop from the Colorado. And, Worster also shows how he ran afoul of the most ardent forest conservation advocates late in his Washington career.
   
   In short, Worster indicates the semi-mythical Powell, not just of Stegner but some other writers, should be taken with a grain of salt.
   
   Worster puts Powell's evangelical -- yes, evangelical -- fervor for irrigation in the backdrop of his childhood Methodism. While there's no way of proving this, it is certainly a reasonable interpretation.
   
   He also paints a broader picture of Powell the bureaucrat. Here again, he differs somewhat from Stegner, suggesting that Powell bears a bit of the blame, at least, for his own wing-clipping by Stewart et al late in his career.
   
   At the same time, Worster gives a detailed portrait of just how hard-working Powell was, both as a Washingtonian and the explorer of the Colorado River and Plateau.
   
   In essence, this is "revisionist history" at its best and most proper.

No comments about When You Lunch With the Emperor.

5 comments about The Birthday Boys.

1. This woman is one of my favorite writers. I have just finished her "Watson's Apology" and found it wonderful as well. But I always use a caveat with Ms. Bainbridge, as I do with Ian McEwan: she is an acquired taste. "The Birthday Boys" is no exception to the rule.
   
   To begin with, as with many of Ms. Bainbridge's novels, this is based on true events. In this case the ill-fated Robert Falcon Scott expedition to the South Pole in 1912. Scott and four of his crew died on their way back from the Pole itself which had already been reached by the intrepid Roald Amundsen two weeks prior. What Bainbriddge does is invite herself and us into the minds of the five men who died, and each of the interior glimpses and monologues takes place on the event of each one's own birthday, and reviews various aspects of his life including how he is feeling that day. Scott, who died last we must suppose, is saved for last.
   
   It is a bold and marvelous literary concoction of fact, fantasy, and intellectual probing coupled with an almost uncanny peek into the hearts and minds of the men who cannot, of course, be interviewed and what they truly thought can never be truly known. Yet I have accepted these portraits as actual "interviews." Each of the men is given a full literary treatment, a complete characterization. It takes a lot of courage to do what Bainbridge does (she does it in "Watson's Apology" as well): she tells us things she cannot possibly know for sure and leaves it at that. Many people try to do that today, they pretend they are writing history when in fact, they are writing fantasy. Bainbridge doesn't pretend to be doing anything but writing about people and what she thinks or imagines they might have been thinking at any one time. She is the best at this conceit that I have ever read.
   
   I had the advantage of already having read Cherry-Garrard's rather lengthy tomb: The Worst Journey In The World, so I was aware of the characters, of who they really were and what their various jobs were. That may or may not be essential. I will have to let the reader figure that out. They may stand on their own as literary concoctions, fanciful imaginaries floating at the margins of consciousness, or, as in my own case, rock-solid portrayals of real people I had already read about extensively.
   
   She's a bold writer, and, I think, it might require a bold reader to take this on. But it's wonderful if you just go with it and accept what's there.
   
   Four Stars from me is the same as Five Stars. I always save that fifth star for something I have yet to see. So consider this a Big Pick from yours truly.



2. Her prose is economical and expressive to the point that other talented writers now strike me as using too many words. What's more, Bainbridge's imagination is stunning. Although I understood that I was reading a 'fictional' account of the failed Scott expedition, I kept finding myself thinking that I was there, witnessing what happened, peering over a shoulder as someone wrote in his journal...(!) She's that good. I'm a historian, and I find B's imagined re-creation of what happened on the Scott expedition (which is based on her expert command of the historical sources) completely convincing, and powerfully moving. What a genius!
   Bravo, Bainbridge.



3. Bainbridge does a fine job dramatizing the deaths of the five doomed members of Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic Polar Expedition, in five separate chapters, each written in the voice of a different one of the five men. Bainbridge is obviously well-versed in the details of the true story, and the book hews closely to the facts of the case.

   She's at her best in articulating the sort of self-absorbed England-forever attitude of the officers, but her depiction of ordinary seaman Edgar "Taff" Evans falls short; he speaks with almost the same Oxbridge vocabulary as his captain.

   Despite this weaker one-fifth of the book, the book overall is quite appealing in the way it conveys a strong sense of the physical place, Antarctica. You can just imagine the sharp intake of frozen air into your lungs as you fall down a crevasse to the end of your harness, waiting for your companions to pull you back to safety.




4. I would give this book infinite stars when it comes to storytelling, but only one or two when it comes to facts. That aside, this is a great book, humourous, witty, and insightful. This book gives one itimate knowlage of the characters, which is rarely accomplished by other books of this genre. I very much enjoyed the first chapter, narrated by Taff Evans, finding it very well writen and in character. What I liked most about this story was its sense of voice. As the author swiched between characters, the reader recieved an excellent retelling of the facts from one of five very different points of view. Ultimately a very fulfilling read.



5. Bainbridge's hair-raising fictionalized account of Captain Robert Scott's doomed1912 venture to the South Pole begins with the glory and giddiness of their send off and ends with disappointment and slow death. Five men reached the pole and Bainbridge chooses these five to narrate, in turn, a section of their journey - during which each has a birthday, his last.
   
   Taff Evans, the only non-officer, opens the book with his account of drunken parties and celebrity treatment. His hero-worship of Scott and glory tales of previous adventures contrasts with the bitter fears of a wife chary of being left destitute with children in a grimy slum. Taff is gritty and honest, roaring with life and humor.
   
   Too bad Bainbridge's officers didn't have a little more of that rough and ready ebullience. Subsequent narratives - of the ocean crossing, setting up advance camps, scientific side trips, the numerous setbacks, disasters, equipment failures and human endurance - are all told by men with stiff upper lips.
   
   Their idea of rousing good fun is a drunken scrimmage which ends with them all half naked. They avoid coming to terms with poor preparation and the disastrous equipment choices by blaming bad luck and admiring each other's bravery and fortitude in the face of each new disaster.
   
   Bainbridge is a marvelous writer who brings the horrifics of cold and inadequate preparation vividly to life. Her point is to show the human waste engendered by the British code of honor and this she does. Yet, because of Capt. Scott's voluminous notes, recovered after his death, this is a story that's been often told. Nothing beats the nonfiction version for sheer excitement and heart break.

1 comments about The Lost Notebooks of Loren Eiseley.

1. While I think this is a very good book, I would not recommend it to someone who has not read much of Eiseley's work. There are fabulous essays in this volume; on the other hand, some are not so good and some are unfinished. If you want to get acquainted with Eiseley's work I'd recommend "The Star Thrower" before you read anything else. If you become a real Eiseley enthusiast, then this book will be worthwhile to you.

3 comments about To Africa with Love.

1. This book really inspires me to be a better person for Christ by helping others. I won't ever be a doctor and probably can't ever visit Africa, but this book takes you there without ever leaving your home. What Dr. Foulkes has been through losing some of his family and staying in Africa to make sure the people were brought the message of Christ is truly heart touching. I think this is a wonderful book and recommend it others.



2. This account of a mission established, accomplished and continuing is not only inspiring but dynamic in overcoming obstacles and rejoicing in successes. It challenges one's faith
   to endure and soar through Christ's help. Difficult to lay the
   book down!



3. "Passion" is the best word to describe the level of commitment of the Foulkes family to serve as medical missionaries in Zambia. The depth of their sacrifice, the length of their desire to reach people with the Truth, the height of their faith in God, and the width of their love for God's people were passionate. I could not put the book down, and when I had finished, wanted to share the book and its message with others. This family touched my family deeply, even before the book, as my grandmother had been a prayer warrior for them while they were on the mission field.

5 comments about Adventures in the Ditch: A Memoir of Family, Navigation, and Discovery on the Intracoastal Waterway.

1. Adventures in the Ditch is a compelling story of family relationships tested to the limit on a journey on the Intracoastal Waterway. Written in an engaging, self-deprecating style by an experienced naval officer, the book chronicles a trip, alternately nail-biting and hilarious, on the "Ditch," and introduces a roster of fascinating characters, from the author's aging father, to a brash co-worker with dreams of adventure, to an old salt whose expert advice saves the day at a critical moment. Along with the fun and family insights, the author provides technical asides, so well constructed and beautifully explained that he thrilled this non-technical, non-boating reviewer. This book launches readers on a terrific journey with a skilled captain; step aboard!



2. I thoroughly enjoyed Adventures in the Ditch. Crisp writing and well-drawn characters make Jon Coile's memoir a must-read for anyone with even a hint of familial dysfunction. I bought this as a gift and kept it for myself. Bravo!



3. 
   I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was drawn
   in by your yarn. The honest revelations about your hopes for bonding
   with both your father and your brother are well expressed and
   engaging. I kept reading, wondering if you'd ever get just the right
   crisis that would bring you all together without killing or maiming
   one of you. I'm very glad everyone lived and, like you, I sure hope
   Andrew doesn't go bald anytime soon.
   
   I read the book avidly until Russell got off Griffin and went home
   with a courtly "good bye". Then I sorta skipped ahead to the 25 tips.
   I later returned to finish up the story with all the final hair-raising
   misadventures which Russell and Andrew wisely skipped out on.
   
   I was able to apply my new knowledge of the ICW last evening at the
   Western Sea Kayakers holiday party. A frequent topic of conversation
   was the recent mishap at Pt. Lobos in which one of our less
   experienced members came out of her kayak and ended up taking a rather
   long swim. She wrote up the incident on our forum and we've been
   giving her perfect advice (with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight) ever
   since.
   
   Someone at the party said she remembered being on a 2-man
   jet ski in Florida, in a protected waterway, looking at manatees, and
   then her partner suggesting they head through a gap into the open
   ocean. Conditions changed dramatically, as they had for our friend
   Eva when she exited Bluefish Cove into Carmel Bay and found herself
   facing the force of a stronger breeze (gusting up to 30 mph) and the
   resulting wind waves (which had steepened to the point of breaking).
   
   A wag at the party who overheard the story said the woman must have
   been on the Gulf side of Florida because she reported seeing
   manatees. I said, "Well, I believe there are manatees in the intra-
   coastal-waterway on the Atlantic side of Florida. At least, I know
   for sure that there are reduced speed zones there in order to protect
   manatees." Boy did I feel knowledgeable, especially for a guy who has
   never been to Florida.
   
   So, thanks for creating the trip and the resultant book. I can't think
   of anything more worthwhile than doing either one.



4. If you've ever dreamed of taking on the East Coast Inland Waterway or have already done so you'll really enjoy this book. More than just a tale of bonding with his father and brother on the trip from Annapolis to Miami, Coile's descriptions (often comedic) detail the triumphs and pitfalls of the trip south and made me feel like I was actually along for the ride. Ingenious repairs to unforeseen problems, incidents requiring medical attention, a family depending on one another to successfully complete the trip; Coile covers it all. Couldn't put the book down until the Griffin was back in her home berth.



5. Adventures in the Ditch is a great read and educational as well. Being from the west coast, I was not familar with the intercostal waterway. Jon's Adventures provided a vivid picture of the ups and down of navigating the ICW. Jon has a gift of storytelling. From the beginning of the journey until the return home, the book was a "page turner". By the end, I felt like I had made the journey myself. It is a fantastic read.

3 comments about Panic Rising: True-Life Survivor Tales from the Great Outdoors.

1. not that great but this book is great. I was impressed by the breadth of coverage including the chapter about whale hunting. Just amazing!!!!



2. Panic Rising is aptly named. I felt the sensation reading these fast-paced stories even though I was in a warm and comfy armchair with a hot cup of tea at hand.

   I liked the idea that these adventures involved ordinary people, rescued and rescuers, who showed courage and fortitude to save lives. I connected especially with the stories set in my own backyard, like Heliotrope Ridge that I've ventured out on. It is so easy to imagine spontaneously sliding down an inviting snowy hill into an unseen crevace. Yikes!

   I was struck by the inspiring synchronicity in some of the rescues.

   I bought this book for my son who loves to hike in the woods and mountains. To be on the safe side maybe it should be accompanied by a personal locator beacon device.




3. As one of the rescuers in a chapter, I can tell you that Mr. Nunn tells the tale honestly and as it happened. I learned things I was unaware of or had forgotten from reading the account I was involved in. This book is an accurate and truthful recount of ordinary people caught up in extraoridnary events.

1 comments about Kidnapped in the Amazon Jungle.

1. I read this book over a decade ago. I just can't believe no one has reviewed it. I just remember that it was really good. I'll try my best review it. It takes place in the Peruvian Amazon region during the rubber boom. Manuel is a young teen living in a dull town and anxious to join his uncle in the rubber tapping business. He goes against his mother's wishes. When sailing down the Amazon they are attacked by hostile Indians who resent the encroachment. Manuel is captured and very slowly integrated into the tribe. He assimilates their customs, including using hallucinogenic drugs for visions. He is eventually bestowed the honor of becoming the apprentice to the shaman, healer.
   
   I also highly recommend The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis. It deals with a similar subject.

3 comments about True North.

1. A fascinating book! A well written account by a man who traveled extensively in the Canadian North in the 1930s, just as the traditional remoteness that had characterized that world was ending with the introduction of planes and other technologies. Merrick was a keen and sympathetic friend of the North, its history and its Native peoples.



2. This book will transcend you to a time and place that makes you feel at peace with nature. Merrick's writing is like poetry in motion. You will wish you could have been there to experience the times when he is at one with the universe. The people and places he is writing about no longer exist, which is the greatest pity of all.



3. I read some of the previous reviews before getting this and some were positive and some negative...I have to say I was very much pleased with the book, excellent story and tale with local dialogue to add an element of adventure and flair. I just really enjoyed the story and to see the hardships people faced...

No comments about Vasco da Gama: Renaissance Crusader (Library of World Biography Series) (Library of World Biography).