One of the most impressive of all Victorian scientists but also a marvellous writer, Bates' (1825-1892) account of his years in the upper reaches of the Amazon is almost too good to be true - a great monument to human inquisitiveness as he battles great hoards of malevolent reptiles and insects in his quest for ever more obscure specimens on ever more narrow and creeper-choked tributaries. Great Journeys allows readers to travel both around the planet and back through the centuries – but also back into ideas and worlds frightening, ruthless and cruel in different ways from our own. Few reading experiences can begin to match that of engaging with writers who saw astounding things: Great civilisations, walls of ice, violent and implacable jungles, deserts and mountains, multitudes of birds and flowers new to science. Reading these books is to see the world afresh, to rediscover a time when many cultures were quite strange to each other, where legends and stories were treated as facts and in which so much was still to be discovered.
"Amazonian Life: A Journey Through the Heart of the Rainforest" explores the rich biodiversity, indigenous cultures, and pressing conservation challenges of the Amazon Rainforest. Through vivid narratives and in-depth analysis, this book reveals the profound significance of this vital ecosystem and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.
Indigenous Struggle at the Heart of Brazil examines the dynamic interplay between the Brazilian government and the Xavante Indians of central Brazil in the context of twentieth-century western frontier expansion and the state’s indigenous policy. Offering a window onto Brazilian developmental policy in Amazonia and the subsequent process of indigenous political mobilization, Seth Garfield bridges historical and anthropological approaches to reconsider state formation and ethnic identity in twentieth-century Brazil. Garfield explains how state officials, eager to promote capital accumulation, social harmony, and national security on the western front, sought to delimit indigenous reserves and assimilate native peoples. Yet he also shows that state efforts to celebrate Indians as primordial Brazilians and nationalist icons simultaneously served to underscore and redefine ethnic difference. Garfield explores how various other social actors—elites, missionaries, military officials, intellectuals, international critics, and the Indians themselves—strove to remold this multifaceted project. Paying particular attention to the Xavante’s methods of engaging state power after experience with exile, territorial loss, and violence in the “white” world, Garfield describes how they emerged under military rule not as the patriotic Brazilians heralded by state propagandists but as a highly politicized ethnic group clamoring for its constitutional land rights and social entitlements. Indigenous Struggle at the Heart of Brazil will interest not only historians and anthropologists but also those studying nationbuilding, Brazil, Latin America, comparative frontiers, race, and ethnicity.
The Amazon is a giant piece of "amphibian" land which is the result of complex geological and evolutionary processes. The number of living beings in such a land is difficult to estimate. The interactions between these organ isms and the environment are fascinating but barely understood. These features lured us to the Amazon in 1981. However, soon after, we realized that the dimensions of these interactions were overwhelming. This book is designed to review aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of fishes of the Amazon. The description of the pulsative nature of the environment and the distinct features of the ichthyofauna of the Amazon were central to the main goal. Nevertheless, any complete view is limited by the magnitude of the intraspecific variability coupled with the complex fluctuations of the environment. Thus, we have placed an emphasis on respiratory physiology and biochemistry. The reference list was made as complete as possible, particularly regarding special publications not readily available. We hope that this book is useful for comparative physiologists, tropical biologists, and the people interested in interactions between organ isms and their environment. We are grateful to many people who contributed to the making of this book. Our initial ideas were influenced by Drs. Arno Schwantes, Maria Lufza Schwantes, Jose Tundisi, Anna Emflia Vazzoler, and Naercio Menezes.
Embark on a thrilling adventure down the mighty Amazon River with Jules Verne's classic novel, "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon." Join a diverse cast of characters as they navigate treacherous waters, encounter exotic wildlife, and confront the mysteries of the South American jungle in this riveting tale of exploration and survival. Follow the journey of Joam Garral, a wealthy Brazilian planter, as he sets out on a perilous expedition to reunite with his long-lost daughter, who has been raised by an indigenous tribe deep in the Amazon rainforest. As Joam and his companions journey deeper into the heart of the jungle, they must contend with hostile natives, natural obstacles, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Delve into the themes of adventure, discovery, and the clash of civilizations as Verne paints a vivid portrait of life along the Amazon River. From the bustling port cities of Manaus and Para to the remote villages of the interior, Verne's meticulous attention to detail brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon to life, immersing readers in a world of untamed beauty and danger. Experience the excitement and danger of the Amazonian wilderness as Verne spins a tale of high-stakes adventure and pulse-pounding suspense. From thrilling encounters with jaguars and anacondas to narrow escapes from deadly rapids, "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon" is a non-stop thrill ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The overall tone of "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon" is one of excitement, wonder, and exploration, as Verne captures the spirit of adventure that defined the age of exploration in the 19th century. With its richly drawn characters, immersive setting, and gripping plot, the novel offers readers an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world's most enigmatic landscapes. Since its publication, "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon" has captivated readers with its thrilling narrative and vivid depiction of life in the South American wilderness. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Verne's enduring appeal as a master storyteller and his ability to transport readers to far-off lands and distant times. Whether you're a fan of adventure fiction, a lover of exotic locales, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon" offers a captivating and immersive reading experience that will transport you to a world of danger, excitement, and discovery. Join Jules Verne on an unforgettable journey down the Amazon River, and prepare to be swept away by the wonders of the jungle. Don't miss your chance to embark on an epic adventure with "Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon" by Jules Verne. Let its thrilling narrative and exotic setting whisk you away to a world of danger and excitement. Secure your copy now and prepare to set sail on a journey of exploration and discovery down the mighty Amazon River.
This book explores the degree to which landscapes have been enriched with palms by human activities and the importance of palms for the lives of people in the region today and historically. Palms are a prominent feature of many landscapes in Amazonia, and they are important culturally, economically, and for a variety of ecological roles they play. Humans have been reorganizing the biological furniture in the region since the first hunters and gatherers arrived over 20,000 years ago.
