John Wesley Powell was een Amerikaanse soldaat, geoloog en ontdekkingsreiziger van het Amerikaanse Westen, vooral bekend van zijn expeditie in 1869. Deze drie maanden durende riviertocht over de Green en Colorado rivieren omvatte de eerste passage door de Grand Canyon. Zijn uitgebreide wetenschappelijke en etnologische werk heeft ons begrip van het Amerikaanse Westen gevormd.
"One hundred years ago John Wesley Powell set out to explore the Grand Canyon of the Colorado - something no man had attempted before. His official report of the voyage remains one of the great adventure stories in all the literature of the American West."
Focusing on the exploration of the Colorado River and its tributaries, this work presents John Wesley Powell's findings from his expeditions in the late 19th century. The book is part of the Sabin Americana collection, which archives significant historical accounts of the Americas from the 15th century to the early 20th century. It offers insights into various themes such as westward expansion, Native American history, and societal changes, enriched by high-quality digital scans of original documents, making it accessible for a wide audience.
The book explores the multifaceted life of John Wesley Powell, highlighting his role as a pioneering continental explorer and a groundbreaking public servant. It delves into his diverse achievements, showcasing his contributions as a scientist, social reformer, and institution builder. Through this examination, readers gain insight into Powell's significant impact on American exploration and public service.
As Michael Silverstein discusses in his introduction to this new edition, the two foundational essays presented here are culminating moments in the scholarly history of North American Indigenous peoples' languages and cultures.
The great anthropologist's classic treatise on race and culture. One of the most influential books of the century, now available in a value-priced edition. Introduction by Ruth Bunzel.
The uncut version of Powell's narrative covering his exploration of the Colorado River.
The narrative unfolds as explorers encounter an Indian garden near a river, showcasing the tribe's agricultural practices, including corn and squash cultivation. The garden is strategically irrigated by nearby springs, indicating the tribe's resourcefulness. Although the corn isn't ready for harvest, the explorers take some squashes, justifying their actions as a necessity while feeling guilty about the theft. This moment highlights themes of survival, cultural interaction, and the moral dilemmas faced by the explorers.
Culturally significant, this work has been carefully reproduced from its original artifact, preserving its authenticity and historical integrity. Readers will encounter original copyright references, library stamps, and various notations, reflecting its journey through important libraries globally. This preservation effort highlights the work's importance in the knowledge base of civilization, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.