Synopses & Reviews
The Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) was one of the most famous explorers of his generation. Charles Darwin called him 'the greatest scientific traveller who ever lived'. In 1799, Humboldt and the botanist Aimé Bonpland secured permission from the Spanish crown for a voyage to South America. They left from Madrid and spent five years exploring the continent. Humboldt reported his findings in a total of thirty volumes, published in French over a period of more than twenty years beginning in 1805. This English translation by Helen Maria Williams of one important component of Humboldt's account, the Relation historique du voyage (1814-1825), consists of seven volumes and was published in London between 1814 and 1829. Volume 3 (1818) describes the mountains, flora and fauna of Venezuela, and its indigenous peoples, especially the Chayma, focusing particularly on their language.
Synopsis
A seven-volume English translation, published 1814-1829, of a major work describing Humboldt's 1799-1805 scientific expedition to South America.
Synopsis
The naturalist Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) travelled to South America in 1799. Five years of research there resulted in numerous publications. This seven-volume English translation of his Relation historique du voyage (1814-1825) appeared between 1814 and 1829. Volume 3 (1818) describes the landscapes and peoples of Venezuela.
Table of Contents
Book III: 6. Mountains of New Andalusia. Valley of Cumanacoa. Summit of the Cocollar. Missions of the Chayma Indians; 7. Convent of Caripe. Cavern of the Guacharo. Nocturnal birds; 8. Departure from Caripe. Mountain and forest of Santa Maria. Missions of Catuaro. Port of Cariaco; 9. Physical constitution and manners of the Chaymas. Their languages. Filiation of the nations which inhabit New Andalusia. Pariagotoes seen by Columbus; Notes to Book III; Book IV: 10. Second abode at Cumana. Earthquake. Extraordinary meteors; 11. Passage from Cumana to La Guayra. Morro of New Barcelona. Cape Codera. Road from La Guayra to Caraccas; 12. General view of the provinces of Venezuela. Diversity of their interests. Town and valley of Caracas; 13. Abode at Caraccas. Mountains that surround the town. Excursion to the summit of the Silla. Indications of mines. Notes to Book IV; Supplement.