The Sea and the Jungle

The author's style is a bit antiquated, but that is to be expected from a book written so soon after the beginning of the 20th century. One thing I didn't like was the author's over-use of complex metaphors and similes. He apparently had a flair for poetry, and it sometimes got loose in his prose. But skimming through the poetry leads to an excellent descriptive narrative.I might have given the book five stars because it is a classic travel adventure story, but the print is too small, and the margins are too narrow.

I read the Kindle version of this book and I thought that it was great. It was entertaining to let the imagination flow while reading Tomlinson's descriptions of life aboard a tramp steamer and traveling the Amazon and a tributary near the turn of the last century. Tomlinson had an eye for detail that made the book come to life for me. Though Tomlinson attempted accuracy when describing most of what he saw, he was whimsical at times as well, such as when he is describing anacondas, "..that fellow is forty feet long in his legend, but spoils a good story through reducing himself by half when he is actually killed. Still, twenty feet of stout snake is enough for trouble." I definitely recommend this book, his defining work.

I found this title noted in recent biography of Rachel Carson, "On a Farther Shore," by william Souder. "The Sean and the Jungle" was a favorite of Carson's. Since I am planning a trip down the Rio Negro in Brazil, I decided to get a copy of Tomlinson's book, detailing his circa 1910 trip from Wales down the Amazon and Maderia River, 3000 miles to Puerto Velho, near the Brazil-Bolivian border. Tomlinson's ship, a 300 foot cargo vessel was the first to successfully undertake the passage. It's a great story and his writing flows like the great river itself.

Although this book may not appeal to all, to the adventure travel reader, it is a work of art, and a must read. Each description of an incident, landscape or interesting item paints in words a picture that is exquisite. I'm reading it for the second time, in case I missed anything. It's better the second time!

Bought it as a gift which was very happy to get it. Would be used by other members of the family

I had read it years ago and somehow lost the book, I'm reading it again and it is as wonderful as I remember it.

Book received as ordered. Enjoying the read. A nice collectors piece. The sea and the jungle is a well written story and easy to read.

Received in perfect condition !