Don Lago

I am so happy that I was able to read this book! The author tapped into something that I hadn't realized I had lost, that being the almost mystical feelings that one can feel in certain places. Places that make you realize that life is much deeper than you can get from a news story, a tweet, or a talking head. For the author, that place is the Grand Canyon. For me, I have experienced it several times, but none more awesome than I had happen on a deer hunting adventure in South Dakota. Having show more harvested a deer just before dark, we found ourselves several miles from the truck. My friend agreed to go get the atv to drag out the deer, and I would stay behind and wait so the coyotes wouldn't eat it. He took my gun with him, so we wouldn't be breaking any laws carrying guns on an atv. So there I was, sitting in the dark, in a "bowl", surrounded by higher ground all around me. Then I heard the first coyote sing. Sounded like it was right behind me. Then another, and another, until the coyotes were singing all around me. It was so eerie! Add to that experience with a completely clear night sky, full of more stars than you have ever seen. Far from being afraid, or nervous, I felt a sense of calm come over me. I felt like I was part of the fabric of the universe, not just a bystander. I wondered how many times this scenario had played out before, only with the indigenous people who came before me?
I feel that the author has tapped well into that story. Despite having to explain something that most people would never witness, he manages to bring the readers along. He's a very good writer, and has written an excellent book. Try reading it in an outdoor setting, away from people, and you may be able to experience the wonder yourself! show less

Very literate and extremely well written. There are some chapters that are snoozers, however. The Chinese chapter and the Egyptian chapter are the two biggest culprits. Otherwise, mostly twas very interesting. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Albert Fall, W. R. Hearst, Brighty, the astronaut program, American and British literature, and John Hance.

Far too many rabbit trails for the average reader to enjoy. Lots and lots of interesting historical information, but throughout the book I kept forgetting what I was reading a history of. End result? Even Lago did not know if he had arrived at any substantive conclusions. It surel helps to have a good working knowledge of the expedition and to have read some of the literature on the subject. Overall, though, this was a dull book.

Interesting stories about the Grand Canyon and it's history as a park or before that. I skimmed the last 50 pages or so because I had to get it back to the public library. I liked the part about the real Brighty burro or donkey best, but the parts about poets and the canyon was also good. I will definitely read more. There is a fairly new book out on the canyon that's supposed to be good.