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eggxceptional_reader's review
3.0
I did not finish this book. It was a tough read, though very thought-provoking.
stevenyenzer's review
3.0
Fascinating story of someone I'd never heard of. It was horrifying to read about the treatment of the gorillas and other animals that du Chaillu found.
arnizach's review
5.0
A compulsive read! Reel masterfully weaves together a very complete portrait of both a deeply sympathetic and intriguing man, but also of a time that is no longer: Where there still were places on this Earth genuinely mysterious and unknown, where men could forge for themselves mythic legacies of bravery and discovery. Paul du Chaillu was such a man. Coming from humble beginnings, he was a genuinely self-made man - a remarkable feat in his time, characterised as it was by overt class and race snobbery, du Chaillu accomplished this through a staggering amount of inner strength and force of character. Following his story I found myself growing truly fond of the man and I was rooting for him throughout his remarkable journey(s). The story centres around the beast, the gorilla, but is ultimately about humanity - at its best and at its worst.
In other words, a really, really, really good book.
In other words, a really, really, really good book.
arielle17's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - I wish the ending (the return to England) had been a bit more detailed, though I loved the epilogue.
ainwena's review
4.0
At first I thought this would be mostly about the adventure through the jungle but that was a small part of it. For a while I didn’t think I was enjoying the debate and journey surrounding evolution during this period but by the end I did.
gentlemanjeff's review
4.0
"The Posthumous Revenge of a Forgotten Explorer" is the name of just one of the many essays and writings vindicating the work of Paul du Chaillu, whose impact on naturalism and science has been severely underappreciated. Monte Reel renders historical events in vivid, impactful prose describing connections with and influences on luminaries including Humboldt, Audubon, Darwin, PT Barnum, Charles Dickens, JM Barrie, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Arthur Conan Doyle and Abraham Lincoln. The author describes the explorer's ill-fated journeys with an immediacy and personal investment that makes the underlying adventure thrilling, in addition to the fascinating historical context he provides. His respect and appreciation for indigenous culture, history, environment and wildlife are apparent throughout. If you're looking for an author who can illuminate a historical account, look no further. Pull on your wellies and join Paul du Chaillu Between Man and Beast. If you enjoy this book, Reel's study of tribal life in the Amazon, The Last of the Tribe is essential reading.