White Waters and Black

By Gordon MacCreagh and Whitfield, Imogen

Book Overview

"White Waters and Black" is a classic and irreverent account of a scientific expedition through the Amazon basin during the early 1920s. Written by Gordon MacCreagh, the narrative follows a team of eight men as they attempt to cross the continent from the high Andes of Bolivia to the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Unlike the often-stuffy exploration journals of its time, this work is celebrated for its wit, honesty, and cynical humor regarding the realities of jungle travel.

MacCreagh captures the grueling nature of the journey, detailing the constant battles with insects, the treacherous navigation of white-water rapids, and the inevitable frictions that arise when a diverse group of personalities is confined to the wilderness. Beyond the adventure, "White Waters and Black" offers fascinating observations on the indigenous peoples of the Rio Negro and the Upper Amazon, providing a valuable anthropological snapshot of a region then largely unknown to the Western world. This work remains a cornerstone of travel literature, praised for its unvarnished look at the triumphs and follies of early 20th-century exploration.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102534636X
• ISBN13: 9781025346366
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 428 Pages
• Weight: 1.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A keeper

I can't believe you can get this book used! I own three copies and I don't even loan it out. This is a terrific expedition book and a wonderful book about being human. My family was thrilled to know that this book was being re-issued. Like one of the other reviewers, I was brought up knowing who the various scientists were because my father had worked with a colleague. It gave us plesure to know the names, some of whom were quite well known even today. It was also nice to know that at least for the eminent icthyolgist and the eminent entomologist the work that they produced from this expedition was very useful. I have recommmened this book countless times, and get copies for friends I really like.

A book not to be missed!

This book is hilariously enjoyable. MacCreagh`s perspective and presentation are both subtle and overt. It is a shame that this book is no longer easily available, because I won't lend my copy for fear it won't come back. If the publishers won`t reprint, find a copy and read it.