The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons

By: John Wesley Powell

Narrated by: Andre Stojka

The great unknown of the Southwest is conquered by a one-armed man and his crew of adventurers, placing the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon on the map of the American continent. It is a journey no human being had ever made before. Dangerous rapids, narrow canyon walls offering no escape, terrifying river waterfalls, capsized boats, near drowning, lost equipment and disillusioned men are dramatically described by John Wesley Powell, leader of this adventurous party. In this first recording as an audiobook, Powell powerfully describes the spectacular beauty of the landscape, the fascinating lives of the indigenous people and the courageous efforts of the expedition party.

©1961 J. W. Powell (P)2011 Andre F. Stojka, Leslie J. Stojka, Andre D. Stojka

A Dr. Seuss narration

Great book! great detail on John Wesley Powell’s exploration of the Grand Canyon. unfortunately the narrator sounds like he’s reading a Dr. Seuss book. I Can’t finish it

terrible narration

This is an incredible story of a singular man. He leads a group of dedicated men accomplishing the extraordinary feat of exploring the greatest canyon in the world. It mixes the scientific information with a story of adventure and courage.
The narration was so bad I found myself clenching my teeth. If I hadn't been caught by the text I never would have finished. I was glad when it was over.

Didn't dissapoint!

I have rafted Cataract Canyon and hiked all through many of the side canyons of Glen Canyon. Driven to marble canyon and the North rim of The Grand Canyon. I had always wanted to read this book on Powell's exploration during his two voyages, and the details took me straight back to my own journeys. Excellent book, looking forward to finding another book on the area!

Very informative, and good narration

This is a wonderful book that describes the mighty river and its awe inspiring canyons in vivid detail. The narrator who sounds like a man of many seasons is so realistic as if John Wesley Powell himself is telling his own story. A prior review of the map of Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona with regard to the river and its tributories will greatly enhance the listeners comprehension.

No justice done to JW Powell by narrator

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book desperately needs a less dramatic reader. Powell was a fairly button downed autocrat and to think he would have tolerated someone breathlessly, excitedly, and needlessly exaggerating the emotion of his text defies imagination. The narrator's style severely detracts from the text, which is unfortunate.

If you’ve listened to books by John Wesley Powell before, how does this one compare?

N/A

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Andre Stojka?

Anyone who can read text without adding extreme voice inflection!

Could you see The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes - but a movie was made years ago by Disney. The Colorado and Green River portions are film worthy, but am not sure about the rest.

Any additional comments?

Powell's narrative is flawed in many respects, including detailing parts of this 1871 expedition in this 1869 book with acknowledging them. However, the information he includes is noteworthy and I only wish Powell was more of a story teller.