Hidden Amazon: The Greatest Voyage in Natural History

Hidden Amazon: The Greatest Voyage in Natural History, Dick Lutz, Dimi Press, 1999

This book is half ecological introduction to the Peruvian Amazon and half travelogue of two different trips through the area, by river and through the jungle, available to anyone. (It's also part advertisement for the company that provides these expeditions.)

The upper parts of the Amazon are in much better condition than the lower, Brazilian, part of the river. People are encouraged to see the Amazon, up close and personal; they will aid in the study of the river. The income generated for the indigenous peoples of the area certainly won't hurt.

This book goes into a lot of detail about the various plants and animals found on the Amazon, both from a traveller's diary and a scientist's point of view. The topics range from piranhas (there has never been a verified report of anyone being killed by piranhas) to capuchin monkeys to the history of the rubber trade to which river is longer, the Amazon or the Nile.

For armchair travelers who like to read about exotic places, and for those with the resources to go and see for themselves, this book is well worth reading. It's easy to read, and packs a lot of information.