Thursday, April 2, 2009

THE LOST CITY OF Z : A TALE OF DEADLY OBSESSION IN THE AMAZON
by David Grann

Percy Harrison Fawcett was such a great Victorian explorer that accolades were written about him for decades. His adventures enthralled the public: he lived in the jungles of South America and was attacked by tribesmen; fought anacondas, piranhas, vampire bats and other nasty creatures; drew maps of unexplored regions. Fawcett was called the "David Livingstone of the Amazon." Scientists would flock to hear him speak whenever he returned from his exploits.
In 1925, Fawcett set off for the Amazon convinced that there was an ancient civilization. His oldest son, Jack, came with him. It was a small expedition consisting of only a few men. While they were away, Fawcett sent dispatches that were carried through the jungle and were eagerly gobbled up by every man, woman and child.
Then, messages stopped coming. Nothing further was heard from them.
They had simply vanished.
The Lost City of Z is one hell of a story. David Grann is a superb writer and keeps you riveted.
Using diaries, letters, journals and logbooks, his terrific skills as a reporter enables him to piece together the true-to-life tale of what really happened to Fawcett.
Truly, one of the best books I have ever read.
Highly recommended.