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  • Down the Great Unknown

  • John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon
  • Written by: Edward Dolnick
  • Narrated by: Danny Campbell
  • Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins
  • 3.5 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

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Down the Great Unknown cover art

Down the Great Unknown

Written by: Edward Dolnick
Narrated by: Danny Campbell
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Publisher's Summary

Drawing on rarely examined diaries and journals, Down the Great Unknown is the first book to tell the full, dramatic story of the Powell expedition.

On May 24, 1869 a one-armed Civil War veteran, John Wesley Powell, and a ragtag band of nine mountain men embarked on the last great quest in the American West. The Grand Canyon, not explored before, was as mysterious as Atlantis - and as perilous. The 10 men set out from Green River Station, Wyoming Territory, down the Colorado in four wooden rowboats. Ninety-nine days later, six half-starved wretches came ashore near Callville, Arizona.

Lewis and Clark opened the West in 1803; six decades later Powell and his scruffy band aimed to resolve the West’s last mystery. A brilliant narrative, a thrilling journey, a cast of memorable heroes - all these mark Down the Great Unknown, the true story of the last epic adventure on American soil.
©2009 Edward Dolnick (P)2019 HarperAudio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
World United States Unknown History
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Profile Image for Andrew Rurak

Repetitive, monotonous, too many folksie analogies

The story could be great if it wasn't writing so monotonously and full of ridiculous analogies. Also some of the tangents he goes on are way to long and add nothing to the story.

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