With "The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons", readers can explore the one-thousand miles of the Colorado River in its natural state nearly one-hundred and fifty years ago. Legendary explorer John Wesley Powell, accompanied by a crew of close friends and associates, details his travels through the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon at a time when much of the area was unknown to contemporary readers. Starting in Wyoming, the crew travelled the last unmapped area of the continental United States. The work begins as an explanation of the land and geography; Powell focused on the native flora and fauna, calling upon the nature writing tradition that was emerging during the 1800s. Next, Powell drew from his personal diary in order to narrate the group's travels through the breathtaking land. Finally, Powell recounts his journey and discusses the ethnography and cultures of both Native Americans and the early settlers of the new frontier. A classic of wilderness exploration, "The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons" is a must read for any nature lover. This edition includes the hundreds of original illustrations that accompanied the first publication.