In 1869, Civil War veteran and amputee Major John Powell led an
expedition down the uncharted Colorado River through the then-nameless
Grand Canyon. This is the story of what started as a geological survey,
but ended in danger, chaos, and blood. The men were unexperienced and
ill-equipped, and they faced unimaginable peril. Along the way there was
death, mutiny, and abject terror, but Powell saw it through and produced
a masterwork of adventure writing still held in the highest regard by
the boatmen who follow his course today.
Never-before-used primary sources and firsthand canyoneering experience
combine to create an authentic and visceral account of Powell's historic
journey. Written by an accomplished river guide with experience
navigating Powell's legendary course, River Master brings to life one
of America's iconic frontier stories.