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Where the Strange Trails Go Down: Sulu, Borneo, Celebes, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Straits Settlements, Malay States, Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Cochin-China
In 'Where the Strange Trails Go Down' by E. Alexander Powell, the author takes readers on a journey through the mysterious and unexplored regions of South America. Through vivid descriptions and detailed accounts, Powell delves into the unknown territories of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, uncovering ancient civilizations, hidden cultures, and bizarre landscapes. His captivating storytelling and rich imagery immerse readers in a world of adventure and discovery, blending travelogue with elements of mystery and folklore. The book stands out for its unique portrayal of the fantastical and the real, offering a fascinating glimpse into the depths of the South American wilderness. E. Alexander Powell, a renowned explorer and journalist, drew inspiration from his own travels and encounters with indigenous tribes to write 'Where the Strange Trails Go Down'. His firsthand experiences in remote and exotic locations fueled his passion for exploration and ethnography, shaping the narrative of the book. Powell's expertise in navigating unfamiliar territories and his genuine curiosity about the unknown contribute to the authenticity and depth of the storytelling. For readers interested in adventure, exploration, and anthropology, 'Where the Strange Trails Go Down' is a compelling and enlightening read. Powell's immersive writing style and keen observations make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to uncover the mysteries of South America's hidden landscapes and cultures.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1922
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July 28, 2022
This book ended up being much, much better than I anticipated. E. Alexander Powell is an enthusiastic supporter of colonialism. But he is quick to criticize the British and French for their actions in Southeast Asia. The British in Borneo, and the the British North Borneo Company, especially, comes in for severe condemnation. The company, modeled after the British East India Company, administers its possessions without any regard for the indigenous peoples. Only profit matters. Not schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. French Indochina, meanwhile, he describes as corrupt and similarly dismissive of the people over which France rules. It is the Dutch in Indonesia, and through indirect comparisons, the US in the Philippines, he offers up as the better alternatives.
I actually learned a great deal from this book. Many events and people of whom I was unaware come under examination. Never had I heard of Philippine bullfights. No, not the Spanish kind, but the Filipino sort, where two bulls face off against each other until the other is killed or vanquished. I didn't even believe it was true, until I looked it up and saw the practice was only abolished two years ago, in 2020. Many things Powell documents are like that, including the unique style of crocodile hunts he sees in Borneo. You may doubt, but he includes photographs. Powell is unafraid of revealing the more squeamish side of travel, which many writers of the period either didn't endure or glossed over. I know that his largest chapter, on Bangkok and Siam, rings true. His assessment of the people and the place seems authentic to me. Apparently, there were remarkable Bangkok traffic jams even back then.
Where the Strange Trails Go Down does quite a good job of recreating the atmosphere not only of the places Powell visits but the time. He was lucky to have the US governor-general of the Philippines give him use of a US Navy coast guard cutter for most of his journey up until Singapore, when Powell no longer felt he needed it. But I don't think that colored his conclusions. Powell was a journalist and, frankly, he seems to have been a good one. That doesn't mean he sees things as contemporary readers do (please, people, stop seeing the entirety of human history through the lens of 2022). But he is insightful enough to predict a severe reaction from the Vietnamese against their French rulers some 25 years before it happened.
I actually learned a great deal from this book. Many events and people of whom I was unaware come under examination. Never had I heard of Philippine bullfights. No, not the Spanish kind, but the Filipino sort, where two bulls face off against each other until the other is killed or vanquished. I didn't even believe it was true, until I looked it up and saw the practice was only abolished two years ago, in 2020. Many things Powell documents are like that, including the unique style of crocodile hunts he sees in Borneo. You may doubt, but he includes photographs. Powell is unafraid of revealing the more squeamish side of travel, which many writers of the period either didn't endure or glossed over. I know that his largest chapter, on Bangkok and Siam, rings true. His assessment of the people and the place seems authentic to me. Apparently, there were remarkable Bangkok traffic jams even back then.
Where the Strange Trails Go Down does quite a good job of recreating the atmosphere not only of the places Powell visits but the time. He was lucky to have the US governor-general of the Philippines give him use of a US Navy coast guard cutter for most of his journey up until Singapore, when Powell no longer felt he needed it. But I don't think that colored his conclusions. Powell was a journalist and, frankly, he seems to have been a good one. That doesn't mean he sees things as contemporary readers do (please, people, stop seeing the entirety of human history through the lens of 2022). But he is insightful enough to predict a severe reaction from the Vietnamese against their French rulers some 25 years before it happened.
Displaying 1 of 1 review