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Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival
Skeletons on the Zahara A True Story of Survival
Author: Dean King
In 1815, twelve American sailors washed up on the shore of North Africa. Captured and sold into slavery, they were then dragged along on an insane journey through the bone-dry heart of the Sahara--a region no Westerners had ever explored. Rain was expected once every six years and it was so hot that cadavers naturally mummified. Along the way th...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780316159357
ISBN-10: 0316159352
Publication Date: 4/12/2005
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 41

4.2 stars, based on 41 ratings
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 265 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
A great story teller. This is the saga of 12 men who become ship-wrecked off the coast of Africa around 1815. They are sold into slavery and must endure a two month walk through the Sahara. Sounds bleak, but it is a terrific story of courage and endurance. Highly recommended.
gotchagal avatar reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 97 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Based on a fascinating true story. It is without a doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. I understand that this story was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln's and I can well understand why. Do yourself a wonderful favor and read this book! It is the story of the crew of the Commerce ship that wrecks off the coast of Africa. The men washed ashore were kidnapped, tortured, and dragged across the Sahara by Muslin traders. The story is a masterpiece and every page holds your attention. I could not sleep until I finished it and it is not a book I will let go of. I know I'll be reading it again.
reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Historical nonfiction adventure of 12 American soldiers shipwrecked off the coast of Africa, captured and sold into slavery and starvation, ultimately survival. Good if you like history and adventure...the material may be questionable in terms of accuracy, but it's one of those 'against all odds' tales.
reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
An amazing story of survival. This is one of the best true adventure books I have ever read. To me, it ranks alongside books like... "Into Thin Air", "Into the Wild", "Between a Rock and a Hard Place"...
Dean King takes an old manuscript and brings it up to date by putting a modern spin on it. This is definitely one book where you want to read all the 'Authors Notes' at the end of the book; and take note of the bibliography.
Yoni avatar reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 327 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An amazing tale of survival against all odds.
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reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 628 more book reviews
Truly an amazing true story of survival - brutal! Definitely worth the read.
buzzby avatar reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on + 6062 more book reviews
Interesting story, lots of maps in the book, so their travels could be followed on Google. The author strives to be accurate, maybe at the expense of telling the story. His major source was the captain's best-selling book of 1817. Lots of characters (11 crew members, they were bought and sold by the tribespeople frequently), so sort of hard to keep track of everyone.
reviewed Skeletons on the Zahara : A True Story of Survival on
Amazing account of the struggles of shipwrecked Sailors in incredibly harsh conditions...............


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