Canyon [Paperback]

Michael P. Ghiglieri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1992

Fasten your life jackets for a ride you'll never forget. Now the excitement of a raft trip through the Grand Canyon has been re-created by a seasoned whitewater guide with a passion to share one of the world's most fantastic journeys. Michael Ghiglieri, a professional river guide for more than 17 years, has written the first book to describe that trip from the modern boatman's point of view. From Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek, Ghiglieri leads you down 226 miles of wild river and through some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth. Along the way, he navigates the Colorado River's dozens of notorious rapids--many of which drop fifteen feet or more—and shares the excitement of waves and boulders, thunder and foam. Recounting a real journey through this geological wonder, Canyon interweaves heart-pounding adventure with factual insights into the world of Grand Canyon. Between the rapids, Ghiglieri relates tales of river runners past and present, lessons in geology and wildlife, observations on the impact of Glen Canyon Dam, and stories of Native inhabitants, from Anasazi ancestors to Havasupai Rastafarians. This trip also offers more than its share of human drama for the passengers aboard, leaving them with tales of their own to tell. "Running the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is to me the most impressive journey on our planet," writes Ghiglieri, "an adventure that leaves no traveler unchanged." For anyone who has ever shared or contemplated that adventure, Canyon recreates an unforgettable ride.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A seasoned whitewater guide shares one of the world's most fantastic journeys, a raft trip through the Grand Canyon." —National Parks "If 'the book' [on the Canyon] is defined as one which plunges the reader headfirst into the thrills, beauty and even occasional boredom of a run through the Canyon; as one which elucidates all the important natural and human history along the way; and as one which conveys some of the majesty and mystery of this extraordinary place, then Ghiglieri has come as close as anyone I know. . . . It makes one want to turn off the computer and head for Lee's Ferry." —Environmental History Review "A grand tale . . . His storytelling abilities and affection for the region are evident throughout this well-written book. . . . This is the single best introduction to a myriad of aspects of this most impressive place this reviewer has seen." —Library Journal "A mile-by-mile tour of the wonders of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River—a grab-bag of the sort of historical, geological, political, and anecdotal tidbits he apparently offers his white-watering guests, and a definitive source book for those who decide to take the challenge." —Kirkus Reviews "Excitement with a message." —Books of the Southwest

Product Details

• Paperback: 311 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (February 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816512868
• ISBN-13: 978-0816512867
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Rafting
  • #68 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Nature Travel > Adventure > Canoeing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I now have to do the Grand Canyon...., May 16, 2004

By 

Donald O Callahan (Moro, Il USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canyon (Paperback)

This book is full of interesting information about the Colorado River going through the Grand Canyon. The author has included all aspects of this great place. He tells the history of the river and canyon, including the geolgy, the first residents, the first settlers, the daming and problems with the daming, the many people who have tried to make the trip, and the history of the wildlife. I found it to be a great read with a lot if great insight into the Grand Canyon. I couldn't put it down and I look forward to reading it again before I take the pluge and float this great river.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars River Running Narrative, December 21, 2000

By 

Peter Angstadt (Canby, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canyon (Paperback)

The author carefully weaves his own experiences as a Grand Canyon river guide with the history of the Canyon. This book will keep you enthralled right up to the last page.

I would heartily recommend this narrative to all who enjoy adventure books. This classic should be on the bookshelves of everyone who enjoyes whitewater rafting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spirit of a River Trip, February 5, 2009

By 

scottyb "scottyb" (Spicewood, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canyon (Paperback)

This is the 2nd book I have read by this author and his experience as a river guide gives him the inside perspective to relate his experiences to the reader. He, like all the guides I have been with on the river, is a case of a well educated and articulate person, with qualifications out the wazoo, that instead of pursuing financial gain, chose to make the Grand Canyon an integral part of his life. These people and their incredible knowledge of every facet of GC, from geology, anthropology, and sociology to recent historical events, are part of what make a river trip, for some a "once in a lifetime" experience, and for others an "incurable obsession". If you have already been or are thinking about going, this book will put you in the spirit. The story is primarily about a river trip but spins off on some adventure that relates to the current location. The only problem with this book is, it isn't long enough and I finished it too quickly.