Description

Title: The Kon-tiki Expedition by Thor Heyerdahl
Author/Publisher: Thor Heyerdahl (George Allen & Unwin)
Publication Year: 1950
Format: Hardcover, with Dust Jacket and Illustrations

Synopsys: "The Kon-Tiki Expedition" by Thor Heyerdahl is a thrilling recount of an extensive maritime expedition from South America to the Polynesian islands. The book tells the tale of six men who journey across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft called Kon-Tiki, banking on the theory that South Americans might have migrated to Polynesia in pre-Columbian times. Embarking on this daring odyssey, Heyerdahl and his crew brave the elements and encounter a range of experiences from terrifying storms, fish that nibble away at their raft, to the serenely beautiful sights of sea-life and stars. The book expertly combines daring adventure, bold exploration theory, and the tenacity of human spirit in the face of the vast uncharted ocean, offering readers a truly captivating experience.

Synopsis

"The Kon-tiki Expedition" by Thor Heyerdahl recounts one of the twentieth century's most ambitious and celebrated maritime adventures. This non-fiction work details Heyerdahl's audacious 1947 journey across the Pacific Ocean, undertaken to prove a controversial anthropological theory.

Heyerdahl, alongside a small international crew, sailed a primitive balsa wood raft, named Kon-Tiki, from the coast of Peru to the Polynesian islands. Their mission was to demonstrate the feasibility of pre-Columbian South American migration to Polynesia, using only the materials and technology available to ancient peoples. Intended for adult readers, this narrative captures both scientific endeavour and thrilling survival.

• A Daring Maritime Feat: Relive the incredible 101-day voyage as Heyerdahl meticulously chronicles the challenges, discoveries, and daily life aboard the hand-built Kon-Tiki raft. This section captures the raw courage and ingenuity required to navigate the vast Pacific with minimal equipment.
• Challenging Conventional Wisdom: At the heart of the expedition is Heyerdahl's compelling hypothesis: that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia. The book presents his evidence and arguments, transforming a perilous journey into a profound anthropological experiment.
• Visual Record of Exploration: The narrative is richly complemented by numerous illustrations, offering a vivid visual account of the raft's construction, the crew's encounters with marine life, and the breathtaking expanse of the open ocean.
• A Personal Connection: This particular vintage copy features a personalised inscription, adding a unique and direct connection to the book's history and its previous owner, making it a distinctive item for collectors.

As a seminal work of adventure non-fiction, "The Kon-tiki Expedition" continues to captivate readers with its blend of scientific endeavour and thrilling survival. This edition, a testament to human courage and intellectual curiosity, remains a sought-after piece for those who appreciate groundbreaking exploration and compelling storytelling.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications