John Wesley Powell: Explorer of Grand Canyon (Historical American Biographies)

Bruns, Roger A.

ISBN 10: 0894907832 ISBN 13: 9780894907838

Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc, 1997

Synopsis

A biography of the geologist who first explored the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8--This well-researched book scans Powell's youth, family life, education, and Civil War years. Most of the coverage is dedicated to his expeditions, research into Native American life, geological finds, work with the Smithsonian, role in politics, and leadership of the U.S. Geological Survey. Numerous citations appear throughout the text. Unfortunately, the writing style is dry and somewhat choppy. Readers are told, "For Powell, the Civil War sparked within himself the drive, energy, and organizational ability to be a leader," but the spark and energy never quite make the crossover into this biography. Quotes from Powell's journals offer a taste of the adventure of charting unknown territory in the Grand Canyon and the dangers of white-water travel, but few details of natural observation are provided and Powell fails to come to life. Still, the great legacy of his vision for the future of the American West and its water issues hits home. A few grayish reproductions of historical photos are included. This book will suffice for report writing. However, Mary Ann Fraser's In Search of the Grand Canyon (Holt, 1995), a less complete biography with better photos, maps, diagrams, and drawings, provides students with a more inviting trip.

Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0894907832
• ISBN 13: 9780894907838
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 128