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Candice Millard researched this book very thoroughly. As a former editor of the National Geographic she excelled at broadening the narrative to discuss anthropology (lifestyles of the South American Indian tribes), zoology (exotic and dangerous animals of the Amazon jungle), and politics (Theodore Roosevelt's ambitions and relations with Latin America). The book weaves these topics into an amazing and true story the planning and execution of the South American expedition of 1914. From its excerpts of the explorers' letters and lectures we get an intimate understanding of each participant's motives and foibles. Millard's portrayal of TR is more balanced than I have seen in other biographies. Roosevelt is a man of such contradictions--boyish enthusiasm and iron discipline, superhuman willpower and human sentiment, exceptional intelligence and a common touch--that I struggle to imagine how all these qualities fit together in one mind. The detailed profiles of the American and Brazilian explorers and how their decisions reflected their character make this book a good primer on leadership and management. Readers might find themselves looking for books about George Cherrie, the veteran naturalist from Vermont; and Cândido Rondon, the Brazilian commander who dedicated his life to bringing Brazil's jungle natives into the modern world. The book cover is colorful and classy.Read full review
Great story and well written. Author spends too much time on the prior history of TR Rex. However, if you had no knowledge of the great American Pres, then it would be useful.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Candice Millard is an excellent author. This book is the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s exploration of a tributary of the Amazon. It is a fascinating piece of history and an incredible adventure story.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As a young student I read a short except from Theodore Roosevelt's essay on the River of Doubt. It was fascinating. More fascinating still is this superb biographical work that reads like a novel. There's a wealth of detail about Roosevelt's expedition, his relationship with Candido Rondon -- the great Brazilian explorer -- his son Kermit and the members of his expedition. Roosevelt is a fascinating figure -- as much an intellect as an adventurer and politician. The information about the Amazon and the trip up the "Rio de Duvida" that brings Roosevelt almost to the point of suicide to spare the lives of his party is great drama. I am now provoked to read all of T. Roosevelt's personal accounts of his adventure in the Dakota badlands, Africa, and the Amazon. This book is inpirational.Read full review
I love how Candice Millard writes. Couldn't put the book down. I learned a lot about the tenacity and courage of Teddy Roosevelt and his fellow explorers. I can't even imagine doing what they did. My husband is a non-reader, usually, but he knocked this book out in two months.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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