The theory - Polynesian Islands were peopled from South America to the South Seas Islands (East to West) which is contrary to the unviversally accepted belief that they were peopled from Asia (West to East). The arguement? Primitives from South America did not have the vessels or knowledge to travel by craft across the ocean. The mission! Thor Heyerdahl and 5 others build a raft using original Incan designs and float using the Trade Winds and Currents to travel over 2000 miles and reach Polynesia and thus proving that the theory is at best possible!!!!
The book is written by Thor Heyerdahl who himself was part of the expedition accross the ocean. This book takes you from the jungles of South America where several scientists find the Balsa they need to build their raft to an epic nautical adventure of Moby Dick proportions even more so because it was ALL TRUE!!! Not some fantastic fiction! The author does an incredible job making the journal of his voyage come alive from the political, scientific and logistical obstacles right down to the adventure and danger involved in the expedition. Up until the end you have no idea how things will turn out, you fear for them and also feel like you have been privvie to the wonders they encounter out in the middle of the ocean where not many have travelled.
I cant say enough good things about this book aside from it being the BEST NONFICTION expediition/travel/discovery book i have ever read. A MUST READ!
The book is written by Thor Heyerdahl who himself was part of the expedition accross the ocean. This book takes you from the jungles of South America where several scientists find the Balsa they need to build their raft to an epic nautical adventure of Moby Dick proportions even more so because it was ALL TRUE!!! Not some fantastic fiction! The author does an incredible job making the journal of his voyage come alive from the political, scientific and logistical obstacles right down to the adventure and danger involved in the expedition. Up until the end you have no idea how things will turn out, you fear for them and also feel like you have been privvie to the wonders they encounter out in the middle of the ocean where not many have travelled.
I cant say enough good things about this book aside from it being the BEST NONFICTION expediition/travel/discovery book i have ever read. A MUST READ!
