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Benedict Allen
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Mad White Giant Paperback – January 1, 2002

by Benedict Allen (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 15 ratings
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This is Benedict Allen's first book - a tale of triumphs, mishaps, dangers and sheer bloody-minded endurance but, at another level, an exploration of the Amazon's dark themes of allurement and exploitation. At the age of 22, inspired by a youthful aspiration to be an explorer, Allen set out to travel from the mouth of the Orinoco to the mouth of the Amazon. But as he stumbled through the Amazonian jungle, he was soon confronted by the harsh reality of his isolation in the midst of potentially perilous territory. Mercifully, the experience of living in the rainforest among indigenous Indians taught him how to survive - a skill of which he soon found himself to be in considerable and urgent need.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Faber and Faber
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2002
  5. Dimensions
    5.04 x 0.79 x 7.83 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0571206174
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0571206179
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Faber and Faber (January 1, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0571206174
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571206179
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.04 x 0.79 x 7.83 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 15 ratings

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Benedict Allen

Benedict Allen

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
15 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rae
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read--story was on Animal Planet TV channel
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2012
This is the full story with loads of great detail of going it alone by canoe down the Amazon. First he had to hike from Venezuela up some mountains to get to the beginning of the Amazon in the mountains. Fascinating story of survival!!
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smoothsoul
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2005
I'm a fan of Amazon exploration books, and this is one of the best I ever read. It's thoroughly engaging and hair-raising. Only in his early twenties when he embarked, Allen was a little optimistic and foolhardy. This makes for great reading, and it'll be one of the better travel books you'll pick up. One of the best of the genre.
4 people found this helpful
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Michael Holmes
5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale to Tell
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2002
A book as breathtakeing as the experience Byron Allen experienced. I was surprised to find so many of Byron Allen's books were no longer in print. I first heard of this modern day adventurer from a BBC report. Having the opportunity to visit England recently, I went to a popular bookstore and managed to find a copy or two of his various writings. Mr. Allen combines humor and a great intuitive knowledge to his writings and his travels. For anyone who loves a good story of adventure and daring-do, Mr. Allen's books are a must read. After finding so many out of print, I'm sorry I didn't buy more than just the two while I was able to. Although by no means a how-to book, it is absolutely the way things should be experienced.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

patricia spadling
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2015
Verified Purchase
My favourite book ever. The 1st, but best that Ben has written over his career as an adventure. Capturing the essence of the people he meets and help him.
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Paul
4.0 out of 5 stars Did it really happen?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
Mad White Giant is a great read. I love a bit of travel lit and South America is my favourite destination when I'm sat on the tube. The author really does deliver an up close and personal portrayal of the real characters in these places where, let's face it, none of us will ever make it to. It also carries a decent story, with a hint of peril. Not sure if any of it really happened though. Which is a good thing, I suppose. It's plausible, just about.
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Summer
5.0 out of 5 stars classic book, one of the great modern day travel books.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2016
Verified Purchase
this book stands the test of time, as relevant and readable as it ever was, it is a classic.
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Amazon Customer
2.0 out of 5 stars A bit dated
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
Bit disappointed in this book - rather amateur and dated
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Ms G. Murfin-shaw
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Benedict Allen
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2014
Verified Purchase
Used to watch Benedict on the telly. Loved him because he is always so miserable. Husband and I found this very funny.
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