Below is a list of books (organised by subject) related to topics covered in this site. Many of these books should be available in your local library or bookshop.
The Amazon: Past Present and Future,
Alain Gheerbrant, Thames and Hudson, London. ISBN 0 500 30005 4
This is a book in the excellent New Horizon range. It is a concise and well written and illustrated introduction to the Amazon, the journeys of early European explorers and naturalist, the Amazon Indians, Rubber Boom, and life in the Amaz⌠nia today. 184 pages. RRP $NZ 19.95
Jacques Cousteau's Amazon Journey,
Jacques Cousteau and Mose Richards, Harry N. Abrahams Publishers, New York. ISBN
0 8109 1813 7
The Calypso voyages up the Amazon to study the wonders of the Amazon river and its environment. Meanwhile, a team also climbs high into the Andes to visit the the source of the river. Cousteau's team visits huge goldmines where thousands of people dig out a living from the Amaz⌠nia's soil, and visits with some of Amaz⌠nia's remaining Indian tribes. The book is well illustrated with loads of wonderful photographs. 233 pages. This book is available from the Wellington Public Library.
The Rivers Amazon,
Alex Shoumatoff, Century Hutchinson Ltd. ISBN 0 7126 1777 9
A well written and highly entertaining travel story. American journalist, Alex Shoumatoff resolves to spend his thirthieth birthday in the Amazon rainforest. Insightful, and full of interesting background information – Shoumatoff spends time on a cattle ranch, living in an Amazon Indian village, travelling with wildlife rangers, and exploring the Peruvian Andes near the source of the Amazon. 216 pages.
Running the Amazon,
Joe Kane, Pan Books, London. ISBN 9 780330 314237
This book takes readers along on the first expedition to travel the entire length of the Amazon, from its source to the sea. Running the Amazon is a suspenseful and nerve-gripping account of one of the greatest adventures of modern times. Kane’s writing takes readers along on an exciting journey, scaling 17,000ft peaks in the Andes, descending through deadly whitewater rapids, encounters with Maoist guerrillas, and the eventual conquest of the world’s greatest river. Readers are also taken inside the expedition team, with an insight into the internal tension and personal conflicts arising within the group, and resulting in the departure of half the team mid-way through the journey. 329 pages. Approximate price $NZ25.
Amazing Monkeys,
National Geographic Society Action Book. ISBN 0 87044 596 0
Non-fiction. Each page is a pop-out picture. Hand made in Ecuador.
Rainforest Animals,
Ladybird Discovery, Leicestershire UK. ISBN 0 7214 1745 0
Suitable for early readers. A well illustrated guide to the world's rainforests and the animals which live in them. 29 pages. RRP $NZ 10.95
Rainforest Animals: Questions and Answers,
Michael Chinery, Kingfisher, London. ISBN 1 85697 305 0
Explore the world of the rainforests. Very well illustrated, and fun and interesting to read. Lots of interesting facts about the rainforest animals. 40 pages. RRP $NZ 12.95
Rainforest Wildlife,
Osborne World Wildlife. ISBN 0 7460 0940 2
Non-fiction reference to plants, animals, and people in the rainforest.
Guiness Remarkable Animals,
Guiness Superlatives Publishers, Middlesex. ISBN 0 85112 867 X
A great book with lots of amazing facts about the world's most interesting and unique animals. Great pictures. This book may no longer be in print, but was obtained through the Wellington Public Library.
Wildlife of the Forests,
Ann and Myron Sutton, Harry N. Abrahams Publishers, New York. ISBN 0 8109 1759 9
Contains detailed information, and photos, about forests and wildlife all of the world. Contains a small section about tropical rainforests in Central and South America. This book was obtained on loan from the Wellintgton Public Library.
Amazonia,
Susan Powel, Reed Publishers, Australia. ISBN 1 86391 051 4
Non-fiction. Reference to birds, animals, people, history, and conservation.
Explore a Tropical Forest,
National Geographic Society Action Book. ISBN 0 87044 757 2
Non fiction. Every page is a pop-out picture. Hand made in Ecuador.
Inside the Amazing Amazon,
Don Lessem and Michael Rothman, Crown Publishers, New York. ISBN 0 517 59490 0
This is a big colourful foldout guide revealing the plants, animals, and other secrets of the Amazon rainforest. 30 pages (approx). RRP $NZ 29.95
Jungles: Facts, Stories, and Activities,
Jenny Wood, Two-Can Publishing, London. ISBN 1 85434 064 6
Well written and illustrated guide for early readers. Tells about plant and animal life in the world's jungles and rainforests, and what it is like for the people living there. 30 pages. Approximate price $NZ 15.
Jungle Stories: The Fight for the Amazon,
Sting and Jean-Pierre Dutilleux, Barrie & Jenkins, London. ISBN 0 09 971540 6
This book follows the musician Sting on a visit with Indians in the Amazon rainforest. It examines ecological issues, environment, and human issues for the local Indians. Includes some interesting stories and interviews with local Indians. 127 pages.
The Last Rainforests,
Mitchell Beazly, Mitchell Beazly Publishers, London. ISBN 0 85533 789 3
Well researched and very interesting book examining the world's rainforests and the problems being faced. It has several examples which I've never seen in other books, such as the 'scuba lumberjacks' who log trees in areas flooded for hydroelectric dams.
The Living Forests,
Michael Chinery, Kingfisher, London. ISBN 1 85697 283 6
A colourful and educational book revealing the secrets of the world's forests. Contains activities, foldouts, and stickers. 42 pages. RRP $NZ 29.95.
Maracß: Rainforest Island,
John Hemming and James Ratter, Macmillan, London. ISBN 0 333 55261 X
This book looks at the rainforest, wildlife, and research at the Maracß ecological reserve. Maracß is a large riverine island in the Roraima State of Brazil, and contains a rich array of rainforest wildlife.
The Mighty Rainforest,
John Nichol, David & Charles, London. ISBN 0 7153 9461 4
This book talks about life in the rainforests. It also has a big focus on the people living in rainforests around the world, the problems facing rainforests, and suggests some solutions. An interesting book with lots of photographs.
Mysteries of the Rainforest,
Reader's Digest, Australia. ISBN 0 86438 960 4 or 0 86438 963 9 (series)
Published in 1996, this is an excellent book with superb photographs. It offers a detailed insight into the workings of the rainforest, together with its plants and wildlife. Highly recommended.
Richard Orr's Nature Cross-Sections,
Moira Butterfield, Viking Publishers. ISBN 0 670 86596 6
Non-fiction. Contains pull-outs featuring life in the rainforest.
Vanishing Paradise: The Tropical Rainforest,
Andrew Mitchel, Stephen Dalton and George Bernhard, Overlook Press, New York.
ISBN 0 87951 406 X
Another highly recommended and well-illustrated book, looking at the structures and ecosystems of rainforests.
Also see Savages, by Joe Kane.
Columbus: For Gold, God, and Glory,
John Dyson and Peter Christopher, Hodder & Stoughton, Kent. ISBN 0 340 48794
1
This is an entertaining and highly recommended book which follows the story of Christopher Columbus, from his beginnings as a child in Genoa, his early days sailing Genoese merchant ships in the Mediterranean, the shipwreck of the coast of Portugual (after being sunk by French warships), and the beginnings of his idea to reach the Indies by sailing westawards.
The book follows a re-creation of Columbus' voyage on modern day replicas of the Ni±a, Pinta, and Santa Maria. This re-creation doesn't follow the route that Columbus stated in his journals, but first heads southwards towards the Cape Verde islands, across the Atlantic, and then two weeks sailing parallel to (but just out of sight of) the Antilles island chain in the Caribbean. Indeed, the sightings encountered on this re-creation closely follow the sightings listed by Columbus and his crew and appear to explain many inconsistencies from Columbus' own accounts. It is thought that the real route was kept secret, as it involved sneaking through Portuguese waters (close to their colonies on Cape Verde), and avoiding their warships. The book also examines the possibility that Columbus had advanced knowledge of the Americas thanks to strange nuts and woods washed up on the beaches when he was based on the Atlantic island of Porto Santo, and even that he may have encountered survivors of a Portuguese vessel that had been swept across the Atlantic in a storm while sailing around the Cape Verde islands to the Guinea coast of Africa. It is possible that these survivors may have been shipwrecked on Porto Santo while attempting to return to Europe, and this may even be the source of a secret map that Columbus was said by some to possess.
This book is available on loan from the Wellington Public Library. 228 pages.
Explorers of the Amazon,
Anthony Smith, Viking Books (Penguin), London. ISBN 0 670 81310 9
An excellent, informative, and very entertaining book about the journeys of explorers along the Amazon. An invaluable reference preparing some of the material included for this project. 344 pages. This book is available from the Wellington Public Library. Approximate price $NZ 40.
Amazon Frontier: The Defeat of the Brazilian Indians,
John Hemming, Macmillan, London. ISBN 0 333 61745 2
This book covers the history of the Amazon from 1750 to 1910. It starts with the supposed emancipation of the Amazon Indians (as contrasted to the reality – where they were either slaughtered in cruel wars and reprisals, or forcibly resettled near near European settlements for be used as a source of cheap labour), includes the period when the first scientists began to explore the Amazon, the documents the rise and fall of the rubber industry, and concludes with the creation of the Indian Protection Service. This book is long and difficult to read, but is full of facts and is probably the most complete and well researched history available. 591 pages. RRP $NZ 34.95
Lost Civilizations: The Search for El Dorado,
Time-Life Books, Alexandria, Virginia. ISBN 0 8094 9033 1
A well written and well illustrated introduction to the legend of El Dorado, and the quest to find this famous kingdom of gold. Along the way, it examines several of the native cultures in South America, and visits Lake Guatavita in Columbia which is thought to be the source of the El Dorado legend. 159 pages. RRP $42.95
Red Gold: The Conquest of the Brazilian Indians,
John Hemming, Macmillan, London. ISBN 0 333 63110 2
This book by John Hemming precedes The Amazon Frontier, and covers the history of Brazil and the Amazon from its first discovery by the Europeans (1500) through to 1755. It documents the early contacts between the Europeans and Indians, the rise of the Jesuit missions and their attack by Paulista slave raiders seeking Indian slaves. Like The Amazon Frontier, this book is also quite heavy reading but is well researched and one of the best sources of information available. 658 pages. RRP $NZ 34.95
The Search for El Dorado,
John Hemming, Michael Joseph, London. ISBN 0 7181 1754 9
Historian, John Hemming, gives a well written and fact-filled history of the search for El Dorado and the impact of Europeans on the native peoples of South America. 200 pages.
The Amazon,
Pamela Bloom, Fielding Worldwide Travel Guides, USA. ISBN 1 56952 000 3
Guidebook to the Amazon. Well written, and full of interesting background information and travel tips. Excellent introduction to Amaz⌠nia's plants and animals. 235 pages. Approximate price $NZ 29.95
Brazil,
Carlos de sa Moreira, Les Editions Du Pacifique (Distribuidora Record), Rio de
Janeiro. ISBN 9971 40 043 X
This book is a photographic tour of Brazil and its people. 151 pages.
Lonely Planet Brazil,
Lonely Planet Travel Guides, Victoria Australia. ISBN 0 86442 317 9
Brazilian travel guide in Lonely Planet's excellent range. An essential item for travellers in Brazil – full of local information which lead you to the most interesting spots. Very good coverage of Amaz⌠nia, and includes background on enviromental and other issues. 676 pages. RRP $NZ 34.95
Lonely Planet Peru,
Rob Rachowiecki, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, Victoria Australia. ISBN 0 86442
332 2
Peruvian travel guide in Lonely Planet's excellent range. Essential travel item. 482 pages. RRP $NZ 29.95
Amazon Beaming,
Petru Popescu, Viking Books (Penguin), London. ISBN 0 670 82997 8
This book tells the story of National Geographic photographer, Loren McIntyre, who made contact with (and was actually kidnapped by) a tribe of Mayoruna Indians. The Mayoruna were also known as the "cat people" due to their cult of the Jaguar (they sometimes wear facial decorations designed to make them resemble jaguars). This book tells of McIntyre's time with the Mayoruna, and his experiences. Not knowing how to communicate with the tribe normally (due to not knowing their language) McIntyre's stay takes on a mystical element – he participated in their rituals, and even claims to have been in communication with the shamans (tribal magicans) through telepathy. Certainly an interesting book and an insight of life among an Amazon Indian tribe. 439 pages. Available from the Wellington Public Libary. Approximate retail price $NZ40.
The Incas: Empire of Blood and Gold,
Carmen Bernand, Thames and Hudson, London. ISBN 0 500 300402
This book, in the New Horizons range, traces the history of the Incas, their demise under the Spanish Conquisadors and more recent archeological discoveries. One of the best sources of information about the Incas, suited for young readers. 184 pages. RRP $NZ 19.95
Kingdom of the Sun God: A History of the
Andes and Their People,
Ian Cameron, Random Century, London. ISBN 0 7126 2537 2
This fascinating book traces the history of the Indian cultures which grew up in the Andes, including the Incas, and their history following the Spanish conquest.
Lost Cities of the Maya,
Claude Baudez and Sydney Picasso, Thames and Hudson, London. ISBN 0 500
30009 7
Another book in New Horizons range, aimed at young adult readers. An extremely well written and well illustrated introduction to Mayan culture and history. 167 pages. RRP $NZ 19.95
Rainforest Amerindians,
Anna Lewington, Wayland Publishing. ISBN 0 7502 1418 X
Non-fiction. Reference to people of the Amazon.
Savages: The Life and Killing of the Yanomami,
Dennison Berwick, Sceptre Books (Hodder & Stoughton), Kent. ISBN 0 340 57868
8
This book tells of the life of the Yanomami Indians currently living in northern Brazil and Venezuela, and their struggle against a huge onslaught of illegal goldminers who have invaded their territory bringing death in the form of new diseases and frontier warfare to this ancient forest people. 245 pages. Available from the Wellington Public Library. Approximate price $NZ 25.
Savages,
Joe Kane, Macmillan, London. ISBN 0 333 63295 8
This remarkable book follows Joe Kane (Author of Running the Amazon) in the rainforests of Ecuador as he investigates the struggle of the fierce Huaorani tribe against the onslaught of international oil companies eager to exploit the area's oil reserves, missionaries intent on wiping out the tribe's native culture, and "well-meaning" environmentists. The book is an insightful, and sometimes comical, look at how Indian tribes are trying to fit into the twentieth century. It also examines the real environmental damage and occasional recklessness of oil-drilling and other development carried out by international companies hiding behind a veil of "environmentally friendly" publicity. 258 pages. Approximate price $NZ 35.
Tales of the Yanomami: Daily Life in the Venezuelan Rainforest,
Jacques Lizot, Canto, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0 521 40672 2
This is a highly readable account of life with the Yanomami Indians, written by a French anthropologist who lived with the Indians for over 15 years and became accepted into their society. This book follows events in the tribe, the role of magic and shamanism, love, and war. It provides a fascinating insight into a tribal society with very different beliefs and customs. 185 pages. RRP $NZ 22.95
The Tribe That Hides From Man,
Adrian Cowell, Random House UK. ISBN 0 7126 5959 5
A classic book which follows the Villas Boas brothers in the early days of the Xingu reserve, and their search to make first contact with the Kreen Akrore tribe. It provides an insight into Amaz⌠nia's rough frontier environment (circa 1967), with trigger-happy prospectors, and fierce inter-tribal rivalries. It also provides some insight into what it is like for remote Indian tribes when they make their first contact with the modern world. 229 pages. Approximate price $NZ 35.
Welcome of Tears: The TapirapΘ Indians of Central Brazil,
Charles Wagley, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0 19 502207 6
This book examines the culture of the TapirapΘ Indians of Central Brazil. The author first visited the tribe in 1939 and continued to visit them regularly over the next few decades. This book follows his studies of their society, and also shows how their society has changed forever as a result of contact with the outside world
Yanoßma,
Ettore Biocca, George Allen and Unwin Ltd (1969), London.
The biography of Helena Valera, who was abducted as a child by the Yanoßma Indians, and spent 22 years living among them in the rainforests of Venezuela and Brazil. A close up look at life inside an Amazon Indian society. 329 pages. This book is available from the Wellington Public Library.
Angel Falls: A South American Journey,
Martin and Tanis Jordan, Kingfisher, London. ISBN 1 85697 315 8
This is a wonderful storybook taking young readers along on a journey a Venezuelan rainforest, and encounters with rainforest animals, to visit Angel Falls – the world's highest waterfall. The book is full of beautiful and very colorful illustrations showing the rainforest animals and their environment. 35 pages. RRP $14.95.
The Hunter,
Paul Geraghty, Red Fox Picture Books, Random House, UK. ISBN 0 09 966631 6
Set in Africa. This award-winning book is aimed at early readers, and follows the story of a young girl guiding a baby elephant away from her slain mother back to the herd. Introduces young readers to impact of hunting and poaching on local wildlife. 28 pages. Approximate price $NZ 15.
The Illustrated Guide to Latin American Mythology,
Studio Editions Ltd, London. ISBN 1 85891 324 1
A large hardcover book containing background information and legends of the Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, and Amazon Indian tribes. Lots of pictures. RRP $NZ 59.95 – but London Bookshops has them on special for $NZ 29.95
Jungle Days, Jungle Nights,
Martin and Tanis Jordan, Kingfisher, London. ISBN 1 85697 108 2
Picture book in hardback cover. Story about animals living in Amaz⌠nia. Beautiful illustrations.
Orellana,
George Millar, William Heinemann Ltd, London.
This is an entertaining and well-researched novel which follows the adventures of Franciso de Orellana and his men on the first journey down the Amazon. It gives a insight into what life might have been like for the Spanish Conquistadors who conquered the Inca Empire in Peru, and then set off on a quest to find new riches elsewhere in South America. This is an old novel, originally published in 1954 – there may be a copy in your local library or secondhand bookshop. 298 pages.
Ronnie the Red Eyed Tree Frog,
Martin and Tanis Jordan, Kingfisher, London. ISBN 0 86272 842 8
Picture book in hardback cover. Story about animals living in Amaz⌠nia. Beautiful illustrations. Conservation theme.
Thanks to Pauline McLeod of Morrinsville School for helping to compile this list.
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