In the early years of the 18th century; a band of French scientists set off on a daring; decade-long expedition to South America in a race to measure the precise shape of the earth. Like Lewis and Clark's exploration of the American West; their incredible mission revealed the mysteries of a little-known continent to a world hungry for discovery. Scaling 16;000foot mountains in the Peruvian Andes; and braving jaguars; pumas; insects; and vampire bats in the jungle; the scientists barely completed their mission. One was murdered; another perished from fever; and a third-Jean Godin-nearly died of heartbreak. At the expedition's end; Jean and his Peruvian wife; Isabel Gramesón; became stranded at opposite ends of the Amazon; victims of a tangled web of international politics. Isabel's solo journey to reunite with Jean after their calamitous twenty-year separation was so dramatic that it left all of 18th-century Europe spellbound. Her survival-unprecedented in the annals of Amazon exploration-was a testament to human endurance; female resourcefulness; and the power of devotion.Drawing on the original writings of the French mapmakers; as well as his own experience retracing Isabel's journey; acclaimed writer Robert Whitaker weaves a riveting tale rich in adventure; intrigue; and scientific achievement. Never before told; The Mapmaker's Wife is an epic love story that unfolds against the backdrop of "the greatest expedition the world has ever known."
#344374 in Books Robert Harms 2002-12-21 2002-12-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.13 x 6.00l; 1.18 #File Name: 0465028721496 pagesThe Diligent Worlds Of The Slave Trade
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. GreatBy Skye E.This book was wonderful. So many aspects of the slave trade are left out when you learn about it in school. This filled in the gaps. This put everything in perspective and it made sense. Especially the profiteering; everyone wanted a cut from the Africans that enslaved to the African kings that sold to the Europeans who bought and sold to the crews on the ships. Well worth the read to be further educated.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful retelling of the slave trade from the deck upBy R. BrownMy daughter ordered this for her college class. I picked it up after she brought it home in the summer. It is a wonderful retelling of the slave trade from the deck up; including discussion of French slave-versus-free laws and the business risks. Shows how well we can compartmentalize our morals when needed for economic gain.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Hard readBy CHARLES E WOODYARDHard read for a descendent of African captives. This book provides insight into the inhumane nature of the society/people/world that allowed this to happen.
