White Waters and Black [Paperback]

Gordon MacCreagh (Author), George B. Schaller (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226500187 | ISBN-13: 978-0226500188 | Publication Date: March 1, 2001

With a wicked eye for absurdities, Gordon MacCreagh recounts his adventures with eight "Eminent Scientificos" as they set out to explore the Amazon in 1923 without any idea of what lies ahead of them: rapids, malaria, monkey stew, and "dangerous savages." A combination of Twain's The Innocents Abroad and a cautionary tale for explorers, this is one of the most honest accounts ever written of a scientific expedition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In White Waters and Black Gordon MacCreagh, with a wicked eye for absurdities, Gordon MacCreagh recounts his adventures with eight "Eminent Scientificos" as they set out to explore the Amazon in 1923 without any idea of what lies ahead of them: rapids, malaria, monkey stew, and "dangerous savages." A combination of Twain's The Innocents Abroad and a cautionary tale for explorers, this is one of the most honest accounts ever written of a scientific expedition.

About the Author

Gordon MacCreagh (1886-1953), aside from being an author, was also an ethnologist, photographer, Nile barge captain, tea plantation manager, lecturer, and enthusiast of the Scottish bagpipes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226500187
• ISBN-13: 978-0226500188
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for armchair travelers, March 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: White Waters and Black (Paperback)

A wonderful book about the scientific experience, although the author promises not to write anything of scientific value. Humerous, astonishing, exciting, touching and gripping are some of the best words to describe this story of scientists on a 2 year quest to explore unknown regions of the Amazonian basin. I re-read it often. My father knew one of the original explorers and I am lucky enough to know who the un-named emminent scientists were which gives it an added edge of enjoyment.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only did I love this book, so did everyone I know, July 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: White Waters and Black (Paperback)

This is truly one of the all time best of the travel genre. It recounts the adventures of a group of mismatched scientists and academics led by the narrator, a witty raconteur more than equal to the demands of both the characters and the journey. The narrator takes us over the Andes to the headwaters of the Amazon River, and then down the river until the expedition finally expires halfway to their intended destination: the mouth of the Amazon. Their encounters with parasites, water hazards, jungle dwellers, and each other make for the fastest 400 pages you will ever read

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A keeper, February 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: White Waters and Black (Paperback)

I can't believe you can get this book used! I own three copies and I don't even loan it out. This is a terrific expedition book and a wonderful book about being human. My family was thrilled to know that this book was being re-issued. Like one of the other reviewers, I was brought up knowing who the various scientists were because my father had worked with a colleague. It gave us plesure to know the names, some of whom were quite well known even today. It was also nice to know that at least for the eminent icthyolgist and the eminent entomologist the work that they produced from this expedition was very useful. I have recommmened this book countless times, and get copies for friends I really like.