The Jungle And The Damned by Hassoldt Davis lands on the shelves of my shop.
The Travel Book Club, 1954, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Maps [1];
From the cover: This is the true story of the Hassoldt Davis exploration of French Guiana, inland from St. Laurent to the Tumuc Humac mountains of the Brazilian border. He was accompanied by his wife, who combined the roles of honeymooner and expedition photographer. The first stop before the 300-mile trek along the Maroni River was Devils Island and the penal settlements of Cayenne. The reader cannot but be touched by the stories Mr. Davis has to tell of life among the condemned, where good and bad are mingled as in the world outside. The main part of the book is concerned with the Maroni River exploratory journey, and the author describes the fantastic plant and animal life of this region (some of it, in fact, still unexplored) and the hardly less fantastic tribes who inhabit it. There were, for instance, the bisexual Rouccuyennes, the unseen Oyaricoulets who stalked the boat and left their inviting white markers or threatening red ones to comfort or alarm the travellers.
This is a fascinating book, giving a unique picture of a little-known part of the world which still retains its menace and its mystery. The superb photographs taken by the Daviss share the honours with the engrossing story.
Good+ in Poor Dust Wrapper. Unlaminated dust wrapper a little edgeworn and faded with an untidy triangular nick to the spine. Edges of the text block lightly spotted. Pages lightly age-tanned.
Blue boards with Black titling to the Spine. 255 pages. 8¾” x 5½”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
Fact or Fable Book Shop 