Travels : Recommended Readings
Recommended Readings On Journeys And Adventures |
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This is one of the best non-fiction stories of an early journey in the North American continent. It details a little known chapter in history that is filled with adventures and discoveries. Esteban's journey as a slave from Africa to Europe and then North America is truly epic. On the north American continent, Esteban's adventures start with a shipwreck off Florida. Circumstances cause his natural leadership skills and uncanny ability to communicate and negotiate with the indigenous people to emerge as they spend eight years traversing Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. After that adventure, the Viceroy in Mexico City appointed Esteban as military commander of an expedition to Arizona and New Mexico, where he is killed at a Zuni pueblo. The story of Esteban's journey is facinating, engaging, informative, and enlightening.
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This is a delightful photographic journey of American playgrounds from 1920-1975. This lovely book is more than a nostalgic trip that will spawn recollections from those who spent countless hours in their youth at such playgrounds. It is also both a beautiful artistic work and an important historical record. You can get more information and view some of photos at the author's website.
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The story of John Wesley Powell's journey down the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon is a must read. This biography also details many of the other influences Powell had on politics and science. His understanding of the critical role water plays in the West was, and maybe still is, unparalleled. Powell's proposal for how to organize and manage the West was truly visionary and revolutionary. Although we would now consider much of his perspective on Native American culture in a different light, his deep appreciation for the culture and people lead to the founding of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and many contributions to ethnography. Read More »ï»¿ï»¿ï»¿ |
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For afficionados of western history and lore, the story of Evertt Ruess is well known.
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This is a well researched revisitation of the events first detailed in an extremely popoular 19th century biography by James Riley. It is a harrowing tale that starts with the wreck of an American cargo ship off the northwestern shores of Africa in 1815. Barely surviving, the twelve crew members wander along the coast until they find themsleves on the edge of the Sahara desert. In desparation for food and water, they submit to being slaves to the leaders of camel caravans. They are then traded and subjected to hellish abuses before finally gaining freedom and rescue. The author tells the crew's tale well and uses it to inform the reader of a little known time and culture. |
More recommendations to come.
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