No comments about The First Voyage Around the World: The Story of Ferdinand Magellan's Three-Year Journey Through South America and the Pacific Ocean (Exploration & Discovery).

1 comments about In Darwin's Wake: Revisiting Beagle's South American Anchorages.

1. John Campbell must be an interesting guy. Although tasked by a millionaire to sale his private yacht in the waters about South America, Cambell took it upon himself to, ostensibly, follow the course of H.M.S Beagle on it's historic voyage around the world. Although it accomplished only a very small part of that objective, those already familiar with Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle" will nonetheless appreciate this book. It provides modern day photographs and descriptions of several key places, particularly around Tierra del Fuego and the Falklands. It was a modern voyage on a modern yacht with every conceivable luxury such as central air, dishwashers, daily showers - to say nothing of GPS and satellite radio. But still the voyage of the Thallassi in waters that were as dangerous today as they were then, was no "cake walk". Although Campbell has nothing really brilliant or new to say or add to the Beagle's voyage, he does acknowledge what must have been brilliant navigational skills and inspired seamanship of Captain Fitzroy. Interestingly, at least to me, was what Campbell - he like most men of our time or of any time - didn't say, or even what was said of the scenery and flora and fauna that passed by. It emphasized all the more how special the voyage of the Beagle really was; how special it's commander, it's crew, it's artists, and especially how special Darwin himself really was. That is how history is made.

1 comments about Wild Winds: Adventures in the Highest Andes.

1. A superb book. Highly recomended first-hands descriptions of fantastic climbs in the andes. Full of interesting histories and facts. Outstanding!

1 comments about European Discovery America North and South.

1. Morison's two volume "European Discovery of America" (`The Northern Voyages 500-1600' published in 1971 and `The Southern Voyages 1492-1616' published in 1974) are among the most valuable, lucid texts on the subject of European exploration of the Americas. The author chronicles European impulses (legendary and real) from 500 AD (beginning with St. Brendan and the Irish).
   
   The author presents a masterful history of all known discovery attempts (rather than concentrating on any nation or expedition). The maritime tradition of the sponsoring powers is presented (with specifications and details on contemporary vessels and what voyages entailed) and compared with their rivals.
   
   Each major explorer's background is recorded, and their voyages chronicled with the author's maps of their routes and photographs of what they encountered (the author visited the terrain and documented their routes). Each volume is lavishly illustrated and amply indexed.
   
   Morison earned degrees at Harvard and Oxford; served as an admiral in the USNR, and taught at Harvard. His work is a pleasure to read and puts many subsequent works (if not most) to shame.
   
   Highly recommended.

No comments about Once Upon a Time There Was Colombia.

2 comments about Understanding Bolivia: A Traveller's History.

1. This book is a treasure, so much more than just another travel guide. The information that you might find in other travel guides in short sidebars and notes (those bits that most of us find so fascinating) becomes the focus of the author's work. Bolivia has a rich history and culture, dating back over 2,600 years. The book takes us from ancient times to the modern day, chronicling events and traditions and economic and political changes along the way. Lougheed doesn't shy away from a story. Weak leaders, revolution and the "war on drugs" are covered, as are human rights issues and the working conditions of silver miners today. You get a sense, though, that the author has a deep affection for the country and the people and this comes through, in the stories and in the beautiful photographs that add so much to the book. I understand that the publisher, Harbour House, will be publishing more "Understanding..." books (the first, I believe, was Understanding Belize, and this is the second). Well done! Travellers and armchair travellers will approve. This is what travel writing should be.



2. Want a grand dose of culture? One doesn't have to go much further than Bolivia. "Understanding Bolivia: A Traveler's History" explores Bolivia's rich history of cowboys, religion, carnivals, silver mines, ancient American history, and that's just the beginning. With a special look at adventurers who have traveled through Bolivia through the years, "Understanding Bolivia" is a must for anyone interested in the country or planning a visit.

No comments about Berlitz Rio De Janeiro (Berlitz Pocket Guides).

No comments about Adventure Guides to Southeast Florida (Adventure Guide to Southeast Florida).

No comments about Equatoria.

1 comments about Let's Go Ecuador 1st Edition: Including the Galapagos Islands (Let's Go Ecuador).

1. This book lacks some serious items, such as maps! The Lonely Planet guide is far superior.