KON TIKI - Softcover

Heyerdahl, Thor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0812449053 ISBN 13: 9780812449051

Publisher: Perfection Learning, 1987

Synopsis

"Kon-Tiki" is the record of an astonishing adventure - a journey 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean by raft. Intrigued by Polynesian folklore, biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles to the east, led by the mythical hero Kon-Tiki. He decided to prove his theory by duplicating the legendary voyage. On April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and five other adventurers sailed from Peru on a balsa log raft. After three suspenseful months on the open sea, alone among raging storms, whales and countless sharks, they sighted land - the polynesian island of Puka Puka.Translated into 65 languages, read by millions all over the world, "Kon-Tiki" is a classic, inspiring tale of daring and courage - a magnificent saga of men against the sea.

About this title

From the Back Cover

'The Kon-Tiki Expedition' is the enduring story of how, in 1947, Thor Heyerdahl and five companions crossed the Pacific Ocean on a balsa-wood raft in an extraordinary bid to prove Heyerdahl's theory that the Polynesians undertook the same feat on similar craft over a thousand years ago.

Updated with a new Epilogue to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the voyage, this classic tale of survival against the most insurmountable odds, with its delightful descriptions of the myriad sea life the adventurers encountered and the seafaring trials they encountered – culminating in the wreck of the 'Kon-Tiki' in the South Seas – remains one of the most fascinating and exciting expeditionary accounts ever written.

"An incredible adventure story which happens to be true."
SOMERSET MAUGHAM

"An enthralling account of an experience without parallel."
OBSERVER

"I have never read a more tonic story of adventure."
RAYMOND MORTIMER, 'Sunday Times'

"One of the best adventure books ever written ... a privilege to read."
HOWARD SPRING, 'Country Life'

"An enthralling book ... the most absorbing sea tale of our time."
NEW YORKER

"What a book! It has spine-chilling, nerve-tingling, spirit-lifting adventure on every page."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

About the Author

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian explorer, adventurer, and writer. Born in 1914, he became famous for his daring 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition. He died in Italy in 2002.

Edition details

• Publisher: Perfection Learning
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0812449053
• ISBN 13: 9780812449051
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English