Best Selling Books by John Wesley Powell

One of the great works of American exploration literature, this account of a scientific expedition forced to survive famine, attacks, mutiny, and some of the most dangerous rapids known to man remains as fresh and exciting today as it was in 1874. The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons, recently ranked number four on Adventure magazine’s list of top 100 classics, is legendary pioneer John Wesley Powell’s first-person account of his crew’s unprecedented odyssey along the Green and Colorado Rivers and through the Grand Canyon. A bold foray into the heart of the American West’s final frontier, the expedition was achieved without benefit of modern river-running equipment, supplies, or a firm sense of the region’s perilous topography and the attitudes of the native inhabitants towards whites. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

John Wesley Powell was a U.S. soldier, geologist, explorer of the American West, and director of major scientific and cultural institutions. He is famous for the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, a three-month river trip down the Green and Colorado rivers that included the first passage of European Americans through the Grand Canyon. Powell served as second director of the US Geological Survey (1881-1894), and was also the director of the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution, where he supported linguistic and sociological research and publications.

Seeing Things Whole presents the essence of the extraordinary legacy that John Wesley Powell has left to the American people, and to people everywhere who strive to reconcile the demands of society with the imperatives of the land.

John Wesley Powell was a pioneer American explorer, ethnologist, and geologist in the 19th Century. In 1869 he set out to explore the Colorado and the Grand Canyon. He gathered nine men, four boats and food for ten months and set out from Green River, Wyoming, on May 24. Passing through dangerous rapids, the group passed down the Green River to its confluence with the Colorado River (then also known as the Grand River upriver from the junction), near present-day Moab, Utah.

The languages spoken by the pre-Columbian tribes of North America were many and diverse. Into the regions occupied by these tribes, travelers, traders, and missionaries have penetrated in advance of civilization, and civilization itself has marched across the continent at a rapid rate. Under these conditions the languages of the various tribes have received much study. Many extensive works have been published, embracing grammars and dictionaries; but a far greater number of minor vocabularies have been collected and very many have been published. In addition to these, the Bible, in whole or in part, and various religious books and school books, have been translated into Indian tongues to be used for purposes of instruction; and newspapers have been published in the Indian languages. Altogether the literature of these languages and that relating to them are of vast extent.

When geologist Powell and his party of explorers first assayed the Colorado in 1869, it was North America''s longest stretch of uncharted river. This is the story of that three-month, thousand-mile excursion, told in the words of the men who negotiated and mapped the river, through their journals, accounts, and letters. Black-and-white illustrations.

This historical and anthropological work tells about the social organization of Wyandots, the family, the gens, the phratry, the tribe. The Wyandot people, also called the Huron, are peoples of North America who emerged as a tribe around the north shore of Lake Ontario.

On the Evolution of Language By John Wesley Powell

In ''On Limitations to the Use of Some Anthropologic Data,'' John W. Powell offers a critical examination of the methodologies employed in anthropological research, especially within the context of Native American studies. Powell''s incisive scrutiny of the assumptions that underpin this academic discipline exemplifies both his scholarly rigor and his dedication to advancing the field through methodological refinement. The article navigates through a complex interplay of ethnographic detail, cultural sensitivity, and empirical skepticism, situated within the broader literary landscape of 19th-century anthropological studies. Its literary style resonates with the authority of a seasoned explorer and researcher, reinforcing its standing in the academic community as a seminal work that challenged conventional wisdom of its time. In the role of Smithsonian Institute Director and having traversed the American West, Powell brought to this work an invaluable perspective shaped by his extensive experience with and understanding of Native American culture and language. His encounters and scholarly engagements with diverse indigenous communities undoubtedly fueled his critical viewpoints towards anthropological assumptions, culminating in a powerful appeal for rigor and authenticity in the study of cultures. This text reflects Powell''s multifaceted background as both a frontiersman and an academic, articulating a vision that is as much about intellectual inquiry as it is about respect for the subjects of anthropological study. ''Recommendation'' ''On Limitations to the Use of Some Anthropologic Data'' stands as an essential treatise for students and professionals in the field of anthropology, offering poignant insights into the ethical and methodological frameworks necessary for respectful and accurate cultural analysis. Powell''s contribution remains a cornerstone for any anthropological curriculum, summoning scholars to a higher standard of research integrity and cultural sensitivity. Through Powell''s seasoned lens, the work continues to inform contemporary dialogues around anthropological practices and their impact on indigenous cultures, rendering it a timeless piece of scholarly literature.

?One of the most significant and seminal books ever written about the West, . . . the classic statement of the terms on which the West could be peopled.??Wallace Stegner (from the introduction). John Wesley Powell''s arid lands report was the first to argue that the American West could not support a conventional system of agriculture and that its lands could not sustain unlimited development. He recognized that water was a more precious resource than land, that rainfall could never support agriculture in the region, and that controlled irrigation offered the best use of its natural resources. Years of drought have proved the value of his advice, which was not well received by an expansionist nation. Despite opposition from the timber, cattle, and mining industries, Powell''s work led to the first assessments of the available water supplies and to the consolidation of government surveys and policies under one administration.

An abridgement of the author''s journal originally published in pt. 1, "History of the exploration of the cnyons of the Colorado," of the report of the Smithsonian Institution: Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and its tributaries.

"Truth and Error or the Science of Intellection" from John Wesley Powell. Soldier, geologist, explorer of the American West (1834-1902).

The ''Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States'' brings together a crucial collection of scientific and exploratory essays that delve into the transformative landscape of America''s dry regions during the late 19th century. This anthology explores themes of water scarcity, environmental transformation, and the socio-economic implications of managing arid lands. The diversity of essays underscores a blend of cartography, geology, and pioneering land reform ideas, seamlessly weaving scientific rigour with visionary land policy discussions. These pieces collectively highlight crucial debates and observations pertaining to the development and sustainability of arid regions, with a standout focus on water resource management and its critical importance. Within this collection, remarkable scholars such as John Wesley Powell and Willis Drummond contribute their roles as prominent figures in advancing land reform and conservation ideologies. These authors, alongside pioneers like Clarence E. Dutton, Grove Karl Gilbert, and A. H. Thompson, offer a multifaceted view rooted in the scientific inquiry and explorative zeal characteristic of the era. Their collective insight represents a shifting American perspective influenced by westward expansion and resource management, aligning with historical movements advocating for more sustainable and scientifically-informed policies. This anthology is a vital resource for anyone interested in understanding the varied and historical perspectives on land and water management. Readers are invited to explore a vast array of insights that not only trace the scientific and cultural advancements of the time but also foster a deeper dialogue on our current environmental challenges. As a compendium of diverse voices, it offers a rich, educational journey through America''s ecological and developmental narrative.

At the heart of ''Titan of Chasms: The Grand Canyon of Arizona'' lies a vivid exploration of one of the world''s most awe-inspiring natural wonders as seen through the lens of literature, history, and science. This anthology weaves together a diverse tapestry of narratives, from gripping firsthand explorations to rich historical retrospectives, demonstrating a variety of literary styles that mirror the Grand Canyon''s own multifaceted beauty. The collection stands out for its ability to capture the solemn grandeur and intricate details of the landscape, making it a significant contribution to environmental literature and a testament to the enduring allure of the Grand Canyon. The authors, John Wesley Powell, Charles Fletcher Lummis, and C.A. Higgins, bring a rich variety of backgrounds to the collection, from Powells pioneering explorations and scientific contributions to Lummiss advocacy for Native American rights and cultural preservation, bolstered by Higginss focus on the interplay between human innovation and natural wonders. Their collective works not only highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Grand Canyon but also align with broader movements in American environmental thought and preservation. By showcasing these varied perspectives, the anthology fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of one of America''s most iconic landscapes. ''Titan of Chasms'' beckons readers into a comprehensive exploration of the Grand Canyon''s vast majesty and historical depth. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the Canyon''s rich tapestry of stories, encouraging a deeper investigation into the themes of exploration, conservation, and the enduring human fascination with the natural world. This anthology is an essential addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the intersection of natural beauty, history, and the narrative art form, providing fresh insights and invigorating discussions around the grandeur of the natural world.

Map and profile in pocket. Chapters 1-9 of pt. 1, with six chapters added, were pub. later (Meadville, Pa., 1895) under title: Canyons of the Colorado, by J.W. Powell ... pt. 1. History of the explorations of the cañons of the Colorado [May 24-Sept. 20, 1869] Report on a trip to the mouth of the Dirty Devil River [May 27-July 11, 1872] by A.H. Thompson.--pt. 2. On the physical features of the valley of the Colorado.--pt. 3. Zoology: Abstracts of results of a study of the genera Geomys and Thomomys, by Elliott Coues. Addendum A. The cranial and dental characters of Geomydæ, by Elliott Coues. Addendum B. Notes on the salamander of Florida (Geomys Tueza) by G.B. Goode. The present report does not include a narrative of the second descent of the river in 1871-1872, a detailed account of which may be found in F.S. Dellenbaugh''s A canyon voyage, New York, 1908.

Presents the diary of the Civil War veteran who led an expedition down the Colorado River to explore the depths of the Grand Canyon.

Presents the diary of the Civil War veteran who led an expedition down the Colorado River to explore the depths of the Grand Canyon.