The Lost City of Z

A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

By: David Grann

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

A grand mystery reaching back centuries. A sensational disappearance that made headlines around the world. A quest for truth that leads to death, madness or disappearance for those who seek to solve it. The Lost City of Z is a blockbuster adventure narrative about what lies beneath the impenetrable jungle canopy of the Amazon.

After stumbling upon a hidden trove of diaries, acclaimed New Yorker writer David Grann set out to solve "the greatest exploration mystery of the 20th century": What happened to the British explorer Percy Fawcett and his quest for the Lost City of Z?

In 1925 Fawcett ventured into the Amazon to find an ancient civilization, hoping to make one of the most important discoveries in history.

For centuries Europeans believed the world's largest jungle concealed the glittering kingdom of El Dorado. Thousands had died looking for it, leaving many scientists convinced that the Amazon was truly inimical to humankind. But Fawcett, whose daring expeditions helped inspire Conan Doyle's The Lost World, had spent years building his scientific case. Captivating the imagination of millions, Fawcett embarked with his 21-year-old son, determined to prove that this ancient civilization, which he dubbed "Z", existed. Then he and his expedition vanished.

Fawcett's fate, and the tantalizing clues he left behind about "Z", became an obsession for hundreds who followed him into the uncharted wilderness. For decades scientists and adventurers have searched for evidence of Fawcett's party and the lost City of Z. As David Grann delved ever deeper into the mystery surrounding Fawcett's quest, and the greater mystery of what lies within the Amazon, he found himself, like the generations who preceded him, being irresistibly drawn into the jungle's "green hell". His quest for the truth and his stunning discoveries about Fawcett's fate and "Z" form the heart of this complex, enthralling narrative.

©2009 David Grann (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"The story of Z goes to the heart of the central questions of our age. In the battle between man and a hostile environment, who wins? A fascinating and brilliant book." (Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink and The Tipping Point)

well researched adventure story

I admit I did not know of Fawcett prior to reading this book. I found the historical background well researched, and was amazed at the hardships Fawcett and his companions had to endure. It was amazing that they did not die much before their final trip. It was unfortunate that two young men died with him on his final trip.
I liked the follow up when the author discovers what the civilization they were looking for was all about.

Answers lost and found, maybe.

Interesting story, well researched. The authors words are enhanced by the readers ability to convey an explorer's sense of wonder and discovery.

Not bad.

Had some extremely boring info at the beginning but once it settled into the meat and taters of the story it was pretty darn interesting.
I have to say though that I found it a bit irritating that the author seemed to run across (and so casually) the " plausible answer" to the entire mystery of Z at the end of his journey.
Otherwise I would say a pretty interesting read.

Not as good as the reviews led me to believe

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

After reading the reviews of this well loved book, I was excited to jump in head first. The initial third of the book lay out an interesting story and point-ov-view, but about half way through the book, I felt I was trudging through the book as the characters had to trudge through the amazon. The last third of the book I felt like droned on, I finished it solely out of feeling like I had to, not because I was still interested in the narration/ story. I felt like the enchanting story fell off halfway through for me, and was simply just reciting facts.

Fantastic

This is an outstanding account of adventure in the Amazon jungle. A must for anyone who enjoys an escape.

Brilliant real-life Adventure tale

I looked forward to my drive to work just to hear this book. Kindled an interest in the Amazon is never before felt. Truly required reading.

Amazing book!!

This book is brilliantly written. From the first word to the last it had me hooked the whole way. The only thing that would improve the book would have been a bit more on Micheal Heckenburger, other than that best book I’ve ever read.

Super interesting and entertaining

Really interesting book telling a history I've never even heard of. Worth a Listen! Nice

Gripping

I found this oddly fascinating. A very good listen.

Decent informative read.

While the story was decent and some what entertaining, it virtually took you no further than where it began. It had some interesting points. It had some shocking points. But it had nothing that reached out and grabbed you. Dull and boring at times, maybe not, but maybe. The end was of no consequence other than letting you know the book was over and there were no relative answers to anything. Not saying that’s bad, but its not good either. Just blah. I can say that I am glad I read the book and would still have read it even if I would have know the ending.