A Canyon Voyage: The Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 [Paperback]

Frederick S. Dellenbaugh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1984

This account of the second Powell expedition is a reprint of the 1962 edition and includes all 50 illustrations and a substantial foreword by William H. Geotzmann.

"One of the seminal books on western history . . . The author was only 17 when he began the expedition, and he honestly hero-worshipped Powell all his life. Yet this bright, sharp account is so detailed and truthful that the reader can see through his enthusiasm to discover Powell's mean spirit and sometimes reckless nature. It's also a great river-running book." —Deseret News

"It was decidedly worth writing, this detailed record: a more absorbing,, and at times stirring, story of adventure has not seen the light in a long time, and the author's unadorned, yet vivid, style enables the reader to share all the emotions of the explorers:" —The Nation

"In these later years (1909) when amateur travel in the west is frequent, a detailed record of this kind will be of value to seekers after adventure." —Science

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A document of primary importance in the literature of the exploration of the West . . . While its primary appeal will no doubt be to river runners and river historians, it ought not to be neglected by anyone interested in outdoor living and exploration. Dellenbaugh was equalled, perhaps, only by Major Powell himself in the ability to convey drama and a sense of movement through an almost indescribably spectacular and challenging country, and few readers indeed will be able to leave the book alone until Dellenbaugh has taken them around that last bend in the canyon." —Utah Historical Quarterly

Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (November 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816508801
• ISBN-13: 978-0816508808
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rivals Ambose's book on Lewis & Clark, November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Canyon Voyage: The Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 (Paperback)

At the time of the 2nd voyage down the Colorado, Dellenbaugh was on about 19 years old. He didn't write the book until many years later. What a wonderful/spellbinding look at the most beautiful place in North America (The Colorado Plateau). Not only that but I found it extremely hunorous as well. Great Great book!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPELL BINDING ADVENTURE OF THE LAST FRONTIER ON THE COLORADO, November 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (SOUTHERN UTAH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Canyon Voyage: The Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 (Paperback)

Love and respect for the Green and Colorado Rivers is greatly enhanced by Dellenbaugh's narritive of the 2nd Powell expadition. Well written, accurate history, and spell binding from start to finish. An adventure that can only be partially accomplished today is TOTALLY available in "A Canyon Voyage!"

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Documentary., September 30, 1998

By 

Erik M. Moeser (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Canyon Voyage: The Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 (Paperback)

This is an exceptionally well written account of a wonderful adventure through the canyons of the Colorado River. For anyone who loves the West's wildness, and writing most sensitive and humorous, this is a "must read". This book is illustrated with many fine original photographs and etchings.