On November 21; 1961; Michael C. Rockefeller; the twenty-three-year-old son of New York governor Nelson Rockefeller; vanished off the coast of southwest New Guinea when his boat capsized. He was on a collecting expedition for the Museum of Primitive Art; and his partner—who stayed with the boat and was later rescued—shared Michael's final words as he swam for help: "I think I can make it."Despite exhaustive searches; no trace of Michael was ever found. Soon after his disappearance; rumors surfaced that he'd made it to shore; where he was then killed and eaten by the local Asmat—a native tribe of warriors whose complex culture was built around sacred; reciprocal violence; headhunting; and ritual cannibalism. The Dutch government and the Rockefeller family vehemently denied the story; and Michael's death was officially ruled a drowning. But doubts lingered and sensational stories circulated; fueling speculation and intrigue for decades. Now; award-winning journalist Carl Hoffman reveals startling new evidence that finally tells the full; astonishing story.Retracing Michael's steps; Hoffman traveled to the jungles of New Guinea; immersing himself in a world of former headhunters and cannibals; secret spirits and customs; and getting to know generations of Asmat. Through exhaustive archival research; he uncovered hundreds of pages of never-before-seen original documents and located witnesses willing to speak publicly for the first time in fifty years. Savage Harvest is at once a mesmerizing whodunit and a fascinating portrait of the clash between two civilizations that resulted in the death of one of America's richest and most powerful scions.
#562337 in Books 2011-03-15 2011-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.13 x .48 x 4.50l; .25 #File Name: 0062076256192 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Paul Johnson puts you in the middle!By Brenda J. MillsPaul Johnson's prolific writing on subjects well chronicled never fails to impress. Civil War America is taken from a previously written book; but you wouldn't know it by reading it. It stands on its own as a brief (145 pgs.) overview of the causes and consequences of the war; but one that clearly shows how through the horrors of civil war America finally became a nation. This books receives my 5 Stars because of its readability; style and dependence upon thorough research (good end notes). A bonus essay is included on Lincoln and Lee; a gem in its own right.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. All of Paul Johnson's History Writings are Wonderful!By Patrick E. O'NeilMy favorites by Johnson are "Modern Times" and "America". His descriptions of Washington and Lincoln are very moving. Especially since Lincoln has been characterized as not really caring about the plight of the black slaves: he said that whenever he heard someone argue in favor of slavery his first thought was that that person should have it tried on himself.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book on the war.By L D SledgeThis was a fantastic review of the War of Northern Aggression; as we call it in the South. Excerpted from his greater book; History of the American People.
