Kidnapped in the Amazon Jungle [Paperback]

F. Bruce Lamb (Author), Manuel Cordova-Rios (Author), Claire Cotts (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 1994

This is a spirited retelling of the true story of Manuel Cordova-Rios, who as a young man was abducted by a tribe of Indians while on a rubber-cutting expedition in the Amazon jungle in 1907. This first-person account relates Cordova-Rios' terrifying capture, his encounters with Shumu, the tribal chief, and his life among the Huni Kui, an isolated tribe possessing sophisticated knowledge of the curative powers of jungle plants and the habits and natures of the many animals that lived with them in the lush tropical jungle. Under Shumu's tutelage, Cordova-Rios underwent a shamanic initiation, participating in dreaming sessions induced by the psychotropic plant ayahuasca. In these group trances, the young Peruvian man received from the chief and other members of the Huni Kui their astounding store of knowledge and tribal lore of the jungle environment. Cordova succeeded him as the tribe's chief on Shumu's death. After living among the Huni Kui for several years, Cordova-Rios eventually returned to his life in the outside world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A specialist in tropical forestry, F. Bruce Lamb met Manuel Cordova-Rios in the 1960's while conducting a timber survey in Peru. He is the author of two other books on Cordova-Rios' story, Wizard of the Upper Amazon and Rio Tigre and Beyond: The Amazing Jungle Medicine of Manuel Cordova. F. Bruce Lamb lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until his death in 1993.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (May 18, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556431732
• ISBN-13: 978-1556431739
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,881,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true story but it reads like an Indiana Jones adventure, January 14, 2007

By 

D. Goodpasture (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kidnapped in the Amazon Jungle (Paperback)

I read this book over a decade ago. I just can't believe no one has reviewed it. I just remember that it was really good. I'll try my best review it. It takes place in the Peruvian Amazon region during the rubber boom. Manuel is a young teen living in a dull town and anxious to join his uncle in the rubber tapping business. He goes against his mother's wishes. When sailing down the Amazon they are attacked by hostile Indians who resent the encroachment. Manuel is captured and very slowly integrated into the tribe. He assimilates their customs, including using hallucinogenic drugs for visions. He is eventually bestowed the honor of becoming the apprentice to the shaman, healer.

I also highly recommend The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis. It deals with a similar subject.