Rondon: Uma Biografia

by Larry Rohter, Cássio de Arantes Leite (Tradutor)

Um dos maiores exploradores da história mundial, Cândido Rondon teve uma vida extraordinária. Nesta minuciosa biografia, o jornalista Larry Rohter revela para o leitor a amplitude de seu legado para o país e os povos indígenas.

No início da tarde de 26 de abril de 1914, um grupo de dezenove homens chegou à confluência de dois rios no coração da selva amazônica. Durante meses eles enfrentaram uma sucessão de dificuldades e privações para realizar um feito notável: navegar e mapear um rio ainda desconhecido, chamado rio da Dúvida, porque seu curso e comprimento eram um mistério. Os líderes dessa expedição eram Theodore Roosevelt, ex-presidente dos Estados Unidos, e o brasileiro Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon, que há mais de vinte anos explorava a região.
Depois que a jornada com Roosevelt chegou ao fim, Rondon continuaria por muitos anos seu importante trabalho, que incluiu o levantamento de rios, montanhas e vales até então ignorados, a instalação de quilômetros de linhas telegráficas, a construção de estradas, pontes e a fundação de povoamentos. Foi também Rondon quem primeiro estabeleceu contatos pacíficos com dezenas de etnias indígenas. Em 1910, fundou o Serviço de Proteção aos Índios, em um esforço de inclusão dos índios ao Estado nacional brasileiro.
Hoje Rondon empresta seu nome a ruas, museus, cidades e até a um estado, Rondônia. O lema que norteou suas expedições e contatos com os povos indígenas ― “Morrer se preciso for, matar nunca” ―, porém, se perdeu no tempo, e muitos de seus incríveis feitos como explorador permanecem ignorados.
A grandiosidade de seus feitos inspirou o jornalista Larry Rohter a mergulhar por mais de cinco anos em sua trajetória, oferecendo agora ao leitor brasileiro um livro que redimensiona o lugar de Rondon na história do Brasil.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Brazil, Travel, Biography Memoir, Nature

584 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

William Lawrence Rohter, Jr., known as Larry Rohter, is an American journalist who was a South American bureau chief for The New York Times from 1999 to 2007. Previously, he was Caribbean and Latin American correspondent of the Times from 1994 to 1999. He now writes about cultural topics

Reviews

[A Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is the biography of Cândido Rondon, a Brazilian explorer, scientist, and conservationist who was alive during the late nineteenth to mid twentieth centuries. An indigenous Brazilian himself, he spent his life lobbying for the protection of indigenous South Americans as well as mapping unexplored portions of the Amazon and establishing a telegraph line through the wilderness. He also led the 1913-1914 Roosevelt expedition, although traditionally in the U.S. he’d been demoted to a mere “companion” of Roosevelt.

A problem with listening to a nonfiction book rather than reading it is that it isn't always clear when the author is using their own words or quoting someone. There were a few instances when the language used had negative connotations or was antiquated (e.g. "...because this place was so remote and backward, he never knew his birthday" and the term "Indian" for indigenous South American peoples). Now if these are quotes from historical documents, then using the terms "backward" and "Indian" makes sense. If these were the author's own words, it would be a problem considering this book was published in 2023. I'm going to give the author the benefit of the doubt and assume these were not his own words.

There was much exploration of Positivism and how that influenced Rondon’s life both positively and negatively. The book did get in depth into the philosophy and religious aspects of Positivism in an effort to explain many of Rondon's decisions. It was interesting to learn that those following these tenets were unable to run for or hold political office, join a scientific or literary society, or engage in journalism, just to name a few things. I enjoyed how the author emphasized that Rondon’s embracing of these tenets kept him from making as big an impact as he could have, especially relating to indigenous rights. Part of what made this read so compelling (aside from just how amazing this man was) is that the author didn’t shy away from pointing out the areas where Rondon could have done better, or did something that ended up hurting others, or even acted on his pettiness.

It was also fascinating to hear about the struggles in placing telegraph poles through a swamp that is larger than Great Britain. It sometimes took almost three hours to position one pole, and there was at least one recorded death by piranhas and encounters with quicksand. He also treated the indigenous peoples like people and spent much time learning their customs and important ecological information from them. Relying on incorrect maps that were the only ones available, remapping 20000 square miles of land, and portaging dugout canoes that weighed 900 pounds are just some of the struggles he faced during his time in the Amazon.

The last 25% of the book focuses on his last decades, which means a deep dive into politics. While I didn’t find this part of the book quite as engaging, it was an interesting look at the political issues of the time and how Rondon got pushed, pulled, and manipulated by those with different political agendas.

This read is an informative, well-articulated, and fascinating history that also included some oral history from indigenous peoples. Granted, I've always had a weak spot for exploration and the Amazon, but I think this read would be suitable for anyone interested in history and an important explorer of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries who had a major and lasting impact on Brazil. Many thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published 30 May 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://wp.me/p4dW55-1lM

One of this year's most intriguing new releases is Larry Rohter's biography of Cândido Rondon, the Brazilian explorer who led the 1913-14 Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition. Rohter is a journalist and author who recently served as South American bureau chief for the New York Times. His previous book "Brazil on the Rise: The Story of a Country Transformed" was published in 2010.

Unless you've read Candice Millard's "The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" you are unlikely to know much about the man featured in this biography. Cândido Rondon (1865-1958) was a Brazilian explorer and military officer responsible for installing telegraph lines across huge, often unexplored, regions in Brazil. Outside his native country he is best-known for leading a harrowing thousand-mile expedition with former US president Teddy Roosevelt through an unforgiving and uncharted area of the Amazon basin.

The book's thesis is presented early and supported often: that Rondon is the greatest tropical explorer in history but has never received proper credit within the English-speaking world. The author's appreciation for his subject is not limited to his outdoor skills, though. Rondon was also a passionate supporter of the rights of indigenous Brazilians, maintained a lifelong anti-violence stance and received several nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Also obvious early in this biography is that Rohter understands Rondon and his world extraordinarily well. The narrative is supported by extremely thorough research which is no small task given the language, geographic, technological and other barriers which impede access to sources. Nevertheless, Rohter appears to have uncovered every available nugget concerning Rondon's ancestry, childhood, personal philosophy, military career and, of course, his various expeditions.

Among the book's best moments are its excellent introduction, a surprisingly accessible explanation of Positivism (a philosophical worldview embraced by Rondon), a convincing case for how his ardent non-political stance limited his effectiveness for the causes he championed and, of course, several riveting chapters describing the Roosevelt-Rondon journey in 1914.

But where Millard's "River of Doubt" provides a consistently enthralling literary adventure, "Into the Amazon" is a different biographical beast. While nearly all of Millard's book is focused on the thrilling Roosevelt-Rondon adventure, only about one-fourth of Rohter's biography describes that nineteen-week journey.

Instead, the majority of Rohter's biography is concerned with Rondon's university studies, his method for interacting with indigenous (and sometimes never-before-contacted) tribes, his personal philosophy and moral code, and his disdain for dealing with - or avoiding - the political environments which affected him during his career.

Although these intellectual explorations are critical to understanding Rondon's persona, some readers may find them comparatively unexciting. And because he was often in the field for years at a time, there is relatively little to be gleaned of his scant personal life. So while some aspects of this book are almost absurdly engrossing, other elements of the biography reflect the less glamorous, gritty side to life.

Overall, Larry Rohter's newly released biography of Cândido Rondon provides a fresh perspective into a fascinating figure who history has often overlooked.  "Into the Amazon" is certainly compelling on its own. But it will probably appeal most to readers who are at least vaguely familiar with Rondon's life; they will find that it robustly underscores his talents and virtues while more fully fleshing out his portrait.

Overall rating: 4 stars

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come read about the life of Cândido Rondon who absolutely hated sleeping in a normal bed. At least, that's what I gather from the fact that the man spent an amazing amount of time sleeping in the Amazon.

You may be vaguely aware of Rondon. If you read Candice Millard's River of Doubt, then you will remember him as the guy who made sure they all didn't die. Millard herself mentions that Rondon deserves his own book and luckily Larry Rohter took that challenge up with Into the Amazon.

I always look for two things when reading a biography. First, is the subject even worth their own book? Second, does the author admire the subject but not too much in telling the story? Both answers are a resounding yes.

Rondon lived over 90 years and yet his list of accomplishments seem to be unbelievable for anyone who didn't live 200 years. He was a military man through and through but actively sought never to kill anyone. He believed in a faith system called Positivism which is simultaneously interesting and a bit wacky. Most importantly, he was a man who devoted his life to protecting Indigenous Brazilians at all costs. He talked the talk and walked the walk, literally.

Rohter handles this amazing man in a way I love. He calls out his positive attributes but does not hesitate to point out when Rondon's actions did not live up to the beliefs he espoused. Rondon was an extraordinary human being but he was human and Brazilian politics were not stable during his day. Rondon doesn't need to be a saint and Rohter never pretends he is. The book is better for it. It's a must read.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company. The full review will be posted to HistoryNerdsUnited.com on 4/25/2023.)

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is up for one of my favorite books of the year. When I read Candice Millard's THE RIVER OF DOUBT several years back (and it remains an all-time favorite book of mine), I was left wanting to read a book about THIS man. WOW. This book does not dissapoint!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A vida de Rondon é um conforto para todo brasileiro que ande descrente de sua terra”, disse o poeta Manuel Bandeira logo após a morte do grande expedicionário e cientista matogrossense, em 1958. “Ela mostra que nem tudo é cafajestada nestes nossos 8 milhões de quilômetros quadrados.” É com esta citação refrescantemente oportuna no momento atual da nossa história que o escritor e jornalista correspondente do New York Times no Brasil, Larry Rohter , encerra seu livro Rondon: Uma biografia. Resultado do trabalho de quatro anos de pesquisas , o livro é denso e fartamente documentado, mas o texto tem uma fluidez tal que torna sua leitura prazerosa, muitas vezes empolgante, como se fosse o roteiro de um filme épico.
Na verdade, o adjetivo “épico” é insuficiente para se descrever a trajetória fantástica deste “homem que veio do nada e deu tudo ao Brasil”. Órfão, pobre e descendente de índios, Rondon enfrentou desde cedo toda série de dificuldades, inclusive o racismo, para encontrar seu lugar ao sol. E subiu todos os degraus da sociedade brasileira. Foi aluno exemplar, soldado, engenheiro militar, cientista, estadista. Além de falar Francês, se comunicava bem em seis línguas indígenas. Numa de suas incursões amazônicas, chegou a ser flechado por um índio, mas escapou da morte quase por milagre. Seu lema era: “Morrer se preciso for. Matar, nunca.” Por seu trabalho dedicado à defesa do índio brasileiro, seu nome foi duas vezes indicado para o Prêmio Nobel da Paz - na primeira, por ninguém menos que Albert Einstein.
Rondon circulava com desenvoltura entre os poderosos e os mais humildes. Mas era nos confins da Amazônia onde ele se sentia mais vivo. Em 1913 chefiou a Expedição Científica que mapeou mais de 1400 quilômetros do rio da Dúvida (hoje rio Roosevelt), ao lado do então ex-presidente dos Estados Unidos, Theodore Roosevelt e do filho dele, Kermit - uma aventura de dois meses que não deixa nada a dever às epopeias holywoodianas de Indiana Jones e sobre a qual muito já se escreveu.
O grande mérito desta biografia é ter colocado em perspectiva histórica toda esta vida extraordinária, desde as primeiras horas da república (foi Rondon quem levou a cavalo a mensagem do golpe militar ao Ministro da Marinha, na madrugada daquele 15 de novembro) até a construção de Brasília.
Com este livro, aprendi muito sobre o positivismo, movimento filosófico que tanto influenciou os primeiros republicanos na Europa e no Brasil e que, no caso de Rondon, era também uma religião. Outro aspecto que me cativou muito nesta biografia foi a história familiar de Rondon e, principalmente, seu casamento com Chiquita - esta mulher forte, com quem teve sete filhos, e que sempre o apoiou em todas as etapas de sua vida tumultuada e rica de aventuras. A vida de Chiquita com certeza daria outro bom livro.

[Bruno Pascon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um dos melhores livros que já li sobre a história de talvez o maior brasileiro de todos os tempos. É impressionante constatar a contribuição que Cândido Mariano Rondon para a configuração atual e desenvolvimento do Brasil. A parte mais emocionante do livro é o relato da Expedição Roosevelt-Rondon, mas o que o torna mais atual e necessário é a filosofia pacifista do Rondon e o respeito e admiração que este sempre nutriu e fomentou para nossos habitantes originais, os índios. Uma honra enorme ter nascido no mesmo país que ele. O Coronel Fawcett que me perdoe, mas no quesito exploradores lendários eu fico com a versão tupiniquim.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only upon beginning this book that I realized I know next to nothing about Brazil. Reading "Into the Amazon" was an incredible experience, as it taught me about not just Brazil and the Amazon in general, but also about a man who is nothing short of inspiring. Rondon was a remarkable person, dedicated to combating racism and protecting Indigenous people of Brazil, as well as striving for progress. The respect he so clearly held for both the environment and the people most closely connected to it is admirable, and it is a shame that he has not been recognized adequately for his work outside of South America.
I very much enjoyed this book, and am grateful for the new knowledge I have of such an excellent person, as well as knowledge of Brazil itself.

Beyond the new knowledge I have, the book itself was extremely well-written and researched. It was interesting, easy to read, and full of details that portrayed Rondon in an honest light, highlighting both his shining characteristics as well as the occasional mistakes.

[Joao Gustavo Seixas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comecei a ler esse livro pouco tempo antes de me mudar de Porto Velho para Palmas, já tomado por uma saudade antecipada das Terras do Poente. Isso é tão certo que, ao folhear as primeiras páginas, meus olhos se encheram de lágrimas ao divisar um mapa de Rondônia que destaca alguns de seus principais rios e cidades. Rios desbravados e cartografados por Rondon, notadamente o Rio Roosevelt, antes Rio da Dúvida, cuja descoberta de seu trajeto e foz (“o maior tributário do maior tributário [o Rio Madeira] do maior rio do mundo [o Rio Amazonas]”) foram objeto principal da famosa - e perigosíssima - expedição capitaneada pelo brasileiro e o ex-presidente estadunidense Theodore Roosevelt em 1914. Cidades que radicam no empenho inabalável de Rondon em ligar o Mato Grosso ao Amazonas pela via do telégrafo, tendo elas nascido dos postos telegráficos instalados pelo militar, ao passo que a BR 364, a mais importante rodovia do atual Estado de Rondônia, que o corta do sul ao norte, acompanhou o trajeto de seus postes e linhas. Pelo que acima escrevi, já se percebe que o Marechal Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon não foi qualquer um. Amiúde ignorado em sua importância pelo brasileiro comum, foi Rondon um dos grandes responsáveis por integrar as regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste ao restante do País. E ele o fez de forma absolutamente pacífica e respeitando todas as etnias indígenas que encontrou pelo caminho. Sendo descendente dos bororos do interior do Mato Grosso, onde nasceu e se criou de forma bastante humilde, Rondon, conquanto militar, tinha como princípio reitor “morrer, se for preciso for; matar, nunca”, sobretudo na sua relação com os índios, sendo o pai do Serviço de Proteção ao Índio - SPI, posteriormente transformado na atual Fundação Nacional do Índio - FUNAI. Foi, indubitavelmente, um grande pacifista, a ponto de ter seu nome apoiado em duas oportunidades para o Nobel da Paz. Ferrenho positivista, de cujos princípios e regras morais jamais abriu mão, da República sempre cuidou desde que proclamada, colocando os interesses da nação em primeiro lugar em todos os momentos. Leitor voraz, fluente em francês e obcecado pela ciência, aproveitou suas inúmeras expedições para recolher, descrever e encaminhar espécimes vegetais, animais e minerais para estudos, máxime no Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro. Foi o primeiro ambientalista brasileiro, preocupado com a exploração sustentável dos recursos naturais e a proteção da fauna e da flora, isso em época em que o tema era praticamente desconhecido no Brasil. Não bastasse tudo isso, ainda liderou uma campanha do Exército brasileiro em Catanduvas/PR, na qual travou embates com aquela que seria a Coluna Prestes. Eu poderia escrever muito mais sobre o que aprendi de e com Rondon, mas prefiro deixar que vocês se deleitem, como eu me deleitei, com sua grandiosa biografia escrita pelo jornalista estadunidense Larry Rohter. Vale imensamente sua leitura. Por fim, foi com grande satisfação ver que Joel Bogo, meu amigo e colega de MPF, é mencionado na parte final da obra, o que corrobora ser ele referência nos assuntos atinentes aos indígenas do Norte brasileiro.

[Rick Elinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having heard of Candido Rondon through the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition to explore the River of Doubt in Brazil, I have anxiously waited for years to see Rohter's biography of Rondon in English. It was worth the wait. What a life, and so meticulously documented by Rohter. Rondon is such an impressive person. Who else can be called "the Pacifist General"?

Rondon spent his career in the military, with much of the time directing the construction of telegraph lines to unite the vast territory of Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century. The construction frequently went through areas occupied by indigenous groups of people. Rondon, whose heritage was largely indigenous, made a point of convincing tribal groups to work with him. He never engaged in forcible removal or slaughter, common in most other instances of contact between Western societies and indigenous populations. Rondon lived by the tenet, "Die if you must, but kill never".

If the world were fair, this book should elevate Rondon's name to popular international status.

[Gustavo Ferreira Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alguns anos atrás estava popular o ótimo livro que conta a impressionante aventura do explorador Shackleton no polo sul. A biografia de Rondon me lembrou bastante aquele livro. História tão impressionante quanto. Vale muito a leitura. Além de suas missões na Amazonia, Rondon foi participante de passagens muito importantes da historia do Brasil e tem uma trajetória muito interessante.

[Matheus Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A vida de Rondon é um conforto para todo brasileiro que ande descrente de sua terra” - Manuel Bandeira (1958)

[Tiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Die if you must, but kill never"

Brazil doesn't have many national heroes. Its citizens have never been awarded any Nobel prizes. But the prizewinners Albert Einstein and Emily Greene Balch both wrote to the Nobel Committee recommending Candido Rondon for the Nobel Peace Prize, 28 years apart. Theodore Roosevelt spoke to him as a fellow "great man," which Rondon promptly denied he was. And the only Brazilian state to be named after a secular figure (i.e., not a saint) is named in his honor - Rondonia.

The "Tamer of the Wilderness" helped resolve border disputes, organized multiple expeditions into literal uncharted territory, and represented the moral high ground in working both with and for Indigenous peoples. A Positivist until the end, he refused to take part in political intrigue and believed the military should do the same. The only coup he ever supported (and in which he participated) was the overthrow of the Brazilian monarchy in 1889 for the establishment of the First Republic. He rejected the presidency multiple times when it was offered as part of a planned coup he would never endorse.

The Pacifist General isn't well-known outside of Brazil, and even then has waning name recognition in his native country. But here is where Rohter's work comes in.

This book provides an extremely deeply researched biography of an imperfect man who nevertheless displayed a most unusual example of virtue. His energy, background, and adoption of Positivism came together for a unique blend: a mixed-race military man known for pacifism, conversant in French and multiple Indigenous languages, who could be a friend of the head of the French military and the Pagmejera ("chief of chiefs") of one of the largest tribes in his native state. If you read about Rondon in "River of Doubt" or know about the Roosevelt-Rondon expedition, this is the perfect opportunity to contextualize that mission through the lens of its lesser-known co-commander.

Larry Rohter has done an immense service. Working with primary sources from the Brazilian First Republic is an endeavor. And Rondon's image often persists as a vague memory of exploration and, if one's lucky, of virtue. This biography makes the image concrete.

[Kody Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cândido Rondon is apparently a well known figure in Brazil. (Even though my Brazilian wife hadn’t heard of him). Regardless of how wide his proverbially net of influence has been cast, we can see throughout Into The Amazon that he is most certainly a beloved individual, even an icon or hero to some. In the beginning of his life we get a picture of him, raised on a farm in Mato Grasso assisting his Grandfather. But Rondon has bigger dreams than cattle ranching, and soon finds himself in Rio De Janeiro. He’s hardworking and determined, both of which allow him to eventually go to school among some of the more wealthy pupils of Brazil.

Further in we see his rise in the Military, and his adoption of Positivist thinking, which he takes by the reins and instills in his family the rest of his life. We see him quite literally riding the front of a takeover of Pedro II’s Monarchy, which historians call a military coup, albeit without any violence.

To jump further ahead, we get into the nitty gritty of the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition. It fascinates me that Roosevelt was able to attend this journey. Although heavily supplied, the party, specifically the Americans, weren't ready for what they would encounter throughout. Not only did they travel in a vastly unexplored area, very few of the Americans had any Jungle experience. One of the exceptions to this was Rooselvets son, Kermit, who had previously lived and worked throughout South America.

The expedition itself, through the “River of Doubt” was almost more than the party could handle. With two deaths (one by murder), and the ex-President himself almost perishing, I’m sure the members of the expedition found themselves questioning their journey.

A great read with lots of details, I highly suggest this if you’re even remotely interested in the Amazon, as Rondon is one of its greatest explorers. Both his travels via the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition and his work on telegraph lines during the Rondon Commission are fascinating! Candido Rondon’s work with the SPI, helping and protecting indigenous tribes such as the Paresi and Nhambiquara is perhaps his greatest achievement.

[Julian Douglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and well written biography of someone who I had no idea who this was. I learned so much about Mr. Rondon, Late 19th/Early 20th century Brazil, and the lives this gentleman touched as he lived a life worth living. I am amazed at how much he shaped Brazil's history, how much power he did have, and how much more he could have had had it not been for his positivist teachings that he strictly adhered too. Mr. Rother does a great job of synthesizing his history with the history of Brazil and explaining the many problems that the state and Mr. Rondon had to deal with. Spellbinding biography and easily one of the top books that I have read this year so far.

[Phoebe Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

I don’t have anyone else to discuss this book with, but I love the questions of legacy and moral interpretation of past figures.

For Americans living under Trump, this book is illuminating and inspiring.

[JEAN-PHILIPPE PEROL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro excepcional para um homem excepcional. Perfeitamente documentado, muito agradável a ler, essa biografia do Marechal Rondon ajuda a descobrir o extraordinário legado que ele fez a historia do Brasil. Morrer, talvez, matar nunca, o lema que ele escolheu desde a sua primeira missão, simbolizou a politica de respeito e de apoio aos povos indígenas, apoio que ia também com uma vontade de ajudar los a participar da construção de um novo Brasil conforme a seus ideais positivistas.
O livro ajudar também a sacudir alguns mitos, mostrando o cinismo fascisante do Getulio Vargas e a perseguição da qual Rondon foi vitima, ou o desprezo dos suecos, hoje doadores de lição ecológicas para o mundo inteiro, que recusaram três vezes de premiar lo com o Premio Nobel da Paz que o proprio Einstein tinha sugerido. Larry Rohter ajuda tambem a mostrar a modernidade da obra de Rondon, mesmo se, talvez pertubado pela herança cabocla do Marechal, ele parece ter dificuldade definir se essa herança deve hoje para o isolamento ou para a progressivo integração dos povos indigenos brasileiros.

[Pedro Ronzani · Rating 5 out of 5]

O livro é excepcionalmente interessante. Depois de conhecer o espaço por onde se passa parte da trajetória de Rondon, conhecer sua história épica foi uma das melhores leituras que já fiz!
Não poderia recomendar mais.

[Lucas Iten Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma pura viagem ao interior do Brasil durante a República Velha.

[Brett Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many other Americans I only heard of Rondon after reading The River of Doubt a couple years ago. I looked in vein for a biography about him back then, couldn't find one, and then was stoked to read this one once I heard about it last month.

A pacifist career military man, whose pathos has been summarized by his most quoted phrase (how to interact with native tribes) - "Die if you must, but kill never" - Rondon strikes me as one of the most interesting men of the 20th century. He lives to a ripe age of 92, despite being blind for the last decade of his life, and the main reason you've never heard of him is that he lived so truly to his Positivist ideals. As a biographer, Rohter does not hide criticisms about those steadfast beliefs - he gives fair positive and negative assessments to Rondon's actions with the power of hindsight on his side.

Rondon is one of the most high-character men in history, always working in service to his country and the people that live in it. A poor mixed-race Brazillian, he thrives in school and lives in poverty as he aces his classes in the capital. As a young officer plays a vital role in a revolution that transforms Brazil into a republic. He denies a tenure-track professorship to work in the field. Never motivated by profit or greed, he builds some of mankind's greatest engineering feats in the form of telegraph lines through the Amazon, succeeding where others failed before him due to his ability to work with native tribes. He then casually accepts an assignment to escort Teddy Roosevelt through the Amazon - what a treat for those two and all of mankind for their joint expedition - ensuring the aging statesman survives his ordeal. Afterwards, he leads his only true fighting force to put down a coup against the republic he helped to found. After a dictatorship eventually takes over Brazil, Rondon does his best to work with it in spite of the leadership, and spends his last decades pushing for the causes most dear to him - Indian tribe protection and land conservation - as he passes his torch to three brothers, as no one man could replicate his work in Brazil.

Rondon did not win the Nobel Peace Prize, largely due to bad marketing (despite Einstein's recommendation), but is more deserving than most of it. I reccomend this highly to anyone interested in South American history, exploration (which I barely touched on in the review - it's a key and thrilling part of the book), indigenous tribes of the Americas, Roosevelt, or just history in general.

[Raven Bosquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Amazon is a masterful biography that vividly captures the extraordinary life of Cândido Rondon, a man whose contributions as an explorer, scientist, statesman, and conservationist have left an indelible mark on history. The author meticulously details Rondon's adventurous expeditions into the uncharted Amazon, bringing to life the challenges and triumphs he encountered while mapping vast territories and making first contact with indigenous peoples.

Rondon's story is told with a deep respect for his commitment to non-violence and his groundbreaking work in promoting indigenous rights. The narrative is rich with historical context, providing a comprehensive look at the social and political landscape of Brazil during Rondon's time. His scientific achievements and efforts in conservation are highlighted, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship long before it became a global imperative.

The book is exceptionally well-researched, drawing on a wealth of sources to present a balanced and nuanced portrait of Rondon. The writing is engaging and accessible, making complex topics understandable without oversimplifying them. Readers are taken on a journey not only through the dense jungles of the Amazon but also through the life of a man who exemplified courage, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity.

Into the Amazon is an inspiring and enlightening read that will captivate anyone interested in history, exploration, and the legacy of one of Brazil's most revered figures. It's a fitting tribute to Cândido Rondon, a true pioneer whose life's work continues to resonate today. Highly recommended for history buffs, adventurers, and anyone looking to be inspired by a life well-lived.

[Audrey Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book! It details the life of Candido Rondon whose life story is worthy of 8 stars. I have never read about anyone like him before. This man is a superhero, except superheroes have easier less-interesting lives with many fewer problems. Rondon’s story is also the story of Brazil: its rainforests, its rivers, its history, its government and its indigenous people. This book will broaden your understanding of how countries evolve.
For reference purposes: Rondon shared leadership with Teddy Roosevelt when Rosevelt made his famous expedition into the rainforests of Brazil, however Roosevelt would have died during the adventure were it not for Rondon. An expedition with Roosevelt was only a few chapters in Rondon’s long, courageous and admirable life.
I gave this book only 4 stars because I think it was possible to capture Rondon’s life more succinctly, and with greater flare. But its value versus time spent reading is very high. I read it on Kindle; it really should be purchased in a paper edition for reference and reading purposes.

[ANDRÉ PINHEIRO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light shedding book on the life and philosophy of Candido Rondon, born in the frontier lands of Brazil in the 19th century, and became the symbol for the protection of native Americans in the country. I have an interest in Brazilian history and following Candido Rondon’s life through the formation of the Republic, ousting the Portuguese emperor, Dom Pedro II, up till the 1960s, when Juscelino Kubitschek was president, it was like telling history through a different lens, a positivist point of view. Larry Rother did an excellent job researching for this biography, which is a must read if you are into history, exploration and native protection.

[Hal Brodsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rondon lived an amazing life and this biography covers it in detail. The highlight was section three, which describes Rondon taking Teddy Roosevelt into an unexplored area of Brazil and into hardships so severe that Roosevelt contemplated suicide.
Rondon was a man ahead of his times: he recognized the relationship between climate change and deforestation over 100 years ago and fought for the rights of indigenous peoples over 130 years ago. The book was a bit too comprehensive and long to earn 5 stars, but was a solid 4 star.
I learned a lot about Brazilian history and geography

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, very well written. The subject is an extraordinary man. The author gives thorough historic context to the life of Cândido Rondon and the narrative is unbiased, very factual and as complete as can be. It’s the kind of book that keeps you company and makes you wishing for a sequel.

Cândido Rondon was an amazing explorer, at the same level as a Shackleton, an Amundsen and the likes, if not greater.

[Ess Atoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting illuminating read, recommended in tandem or sequentially with “River of Doubt” and Colonel Roosevelt.

Notable text:


In WW2…”Brazil revived its moribund rubber industry in return for millions of dollars in loans, credits, and equipment. Brazil’s biggest strategic contribution, however, was to allow the United States to build air bases in the Northeastern city of Natal, the closest point in the Western hemisphere to Africa”

[Daniel Farabaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent biography of Rondon, a figure I knew nothing about previous to reading the book. The chronicles of the expeditions are nerve racking and the author does an excellent job illuminating the politics that surrounded him. This is an excellent corrective to the story of exploration which too often ignores the contributions of non-white explorers.

[Marcus Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and informative book. Beyond his role in the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition, I didn’t know anything about this figure. I really enjoyed learning more about Marshall Rondon, but equally enjoyed learning a lot about the history of Brazil and a little about its neighboring countries that I previously knew very little about.

[Beverly Hollandbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex biography of an indigenous South America who was inspiring, influential, and true to his beliefs and his country to the end of his long life. I would call Rondon the George Washington of Brazil, as the qualities of integrity and devotion to country that we admire in Washington are also revealed in Rondon.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meticulously researched and thoughtfully written, “Into the Amazon” is a compelling biography of the Brazilian Candido Rondon. The author, Larry Rohter, had a deep respect for his subject and that illuminates the writing. It’s an absorbing read.

[Alex Sachs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rohter's writing is both informative and engaging, making this biography accessible to a wide range of readers. Whether you have a deep interest in Brazilian history, a fascination with exploration, or simply enjoy a well-crafted biography, "Into the Amazon" is a compelling read.