I wish I'd read this book before our trip to the Lakes District last year. It provides historical context and a cultural perspective far more useful and engaging than Chatwin's extensively hyped In Patagonia. Moss covers the waves of European explorers, describing both their bravado and their haplessness. He equally portrays the saga and subjugation of the Mapuche. The end of the book includes a chapter on movies and music which, while interesting, feels more dated. Having read now several travel inspirations about Argentina, this would be my first non-fiction recommendation. ( )