Explorers of the Amazon

by Anthony Smith

Explorers of the Amazon vividly describes how European explorers such as Pedro Cabral, Francisco De Orellana, Lope de Aguirre, and Madame Godin encountered the vast wilderness of the Amazon basin; how they searched, exploited, and fought over its riches; and what they learned and failed to learn through four centuries of adventure. Anthony Smith not only enriches this history with fascinating geographical, political, and scientific details but also gives a strong warning to those who continue to exploit this great river's resources.

"The history of Amazonian exploration, wonderfully told by Anthony Smith, is awash with madness—an extravagant mixture of the malevolent and the miraculous."—Stephen Mills, Times Literary Supplement

Genres: History, Nonfiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 1990

Reviews

[Joe Ward]

I've had this book for years but have only now read it. Maybe I took so long because I thought it would be dry reading. If so, I was wrong. This is a wonderful read, full of information and as exciting as any novel. The chapter on Lope de Aguirre is alone worth the purchase price. What a super pirate that guy was! I wondered how the author could leave out Bates and Wallace but they're in here, too, in the chapter about Spruce and Wickham, the guys who stole the Cinchona tree (source of quinine) and the rubber tree, respectively, from South America. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

[David Cooper]

I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter deals with a different expedition. It is told in a clear style that allows you to absorb the facts involved.

[Douglas]

A bit English in parts in that written-35-years-ago way, but quite good.

[Dennis]

Very interesting as a followup to "z". I only read the few Explorers mentioned in "Z". Many of the dangers and logistics incountered by Fawcett are also mentioned in "Explorers of the Amazon", with the exception of the mass killings,and the frequent use of boats(or simular crafts) sited in the "Explorers of the Amazon"

On another note, the viciousness of the Spanish explorers is quite unnerving. You don't get the whole picture in the grammer school books. Mr Anthony Smith lays it out in plain english.

Will likely go back at a later date and read about the other Amazon explorers in the book.

[Rafelmenmell]

interesante pero un poco superficial. podría ser mucho más sugestivo.