The Extraordinary Journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood

The fetid,yet maddeningly lush & thus, compelling environment that yielded such treasures to the intensity of these two men's driving curiosity immediately captures the reader. This reviewer withholds the fifth star of admiration only due to an absence of deeper detail regarding Stephens&Catherwood. Perhaps, such detail was lost to the "official"record? However, the desire for character detail is proof-positive that JUNGLE of STONE fills a gap in our historical narrative; indeed, the enormous value that these precious few-to-date revealed monuments to the so-called "savage" genius of the indigenous civilization cruelly destroyed by the shockingly ignorant and unfettered barbarism of the Catholic-inspired Spanish infection of Meso-America that was the Conquistadors ,continues to plague this singularly exquisite geographic world treasure. Indeed, even 500 yrs. later, the Iberian wound that IS Latin America, continues to fester&deprive in an almost wonton manner, the incalculable gifts that were bestowed by the "Maya" and belong to the human race. This story is far more involved than the design and erection of stone structures....consider the hint in this desperate attempt to seize&hold the inescapable truths of ancient medicines, astrological observations and mathematical calculations , indeed , the very tools that allow humans to live a simply better existence! This fine effort demands that we clear the Peten province of the extant pestilence that is narco-trafficking and bring peace to this treasured parcel of our planet. Carlsen asks us to match the astonishing enterprise that existed here, once upon a time.

One of the best!!! I knew nothing about the Mayan civilization or the two explorers, yet I was drawn into the book immediately. It was riveting from the very first page. Carlsen's photos, along with Catherwood's illustrations, brought the words to life, and, as Carlsen states in his Acknowledgments, introduce us to the "incredible beauty, dignity, and resilience" of the Maya people.

Absolutely wonderful. Having worked in this region many years ago I visited some of the sites such as Kopan. The background and sidebar information also helped in my understanding of this amazing part of the world.

This is a splendid overview of the travels and discoveries by the duo of explorers who became the first to carefully document Central American
Maya ruins. Stevens and Catherwood published their own account, which is fascinating reading. But this well researched volume enriches
the story with biographical background and historical enhancements. It is a valuable companion reference to an exciting phase of early Maya
archaeology.

So much has been written about the Mayas and their abandoned cities that it's difficult to imagine something wholly new on the subject. Fortunately, Carlsen doesn't strain for novelty. Instead, he revisits the 19th century works of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, whose Incidents of Travel began to change Western notions about the Maya and Central American history and prehistory. Given their cultural and technological constraints, Stephens and Catherwood were remarkably prescient about the histories of the overgrown cities of Guatemala and the Yucatán. And they were daring in refuting the Western canard that this artistically dazzling civilization must have come from the Phoenicians, the Lost Tribes of Israel -- anyone other than the indigenous Indians who still lived in the same geography.

Carlsen, an award-winning reporter, has lived often in Central America and knows the country. In Jungle of Stone, he physically and historically retraces the route that these fascinating and intrepid explorers -- Stephens an American and Catherwood British -- took through the often overgrown and insect-ridden jungles, savanna and scrubland. And, Carlsen contrasts the Catherwood's remarkable sketches and engravings with his own contemporary photographs. You are already familiar with Catherwood's art, even if you don't know it.

But Stephens and Catherwood didn't just report on archaeology and anthropology; they also detailed the political and military battles wracking Central America. These were bizarre and bloody, and were clearly just a phase in the 500 year Indian wars begun by Spain and continued by their successors.

Heavily detailed but never tedious, this is best best background reading for your upcoming trip to Maya country. Notn planning one? You will when you finish this.

Oblivion beckons for what we hold most dear… our memories. Memory loss is not the affliction solely of individual human beings. Society itself, in a never ending rush to discard all that is cherished of the past, often through fascination with the new, and even in distrust of what is passed down unwitnessed by our own eyes, simply ‘forgets’ to remember the evidence of our progress, and especially of our mistakes. When we ignore the landmarks of our past, we lose our way. How can we know where we are going, unless we know where we have been?

Here is the story of Classical Mayan architecture and the Golden-age of Mesoamerican history in stone ruins. John Lloyd Stephens and Frank Catherwood, the acknowledged progenitors of American archaeology, forged a new narrative of the ‘New World’ that had yet been untold and unwritten. Jungle of Stone tells the remarkable human story of these two men and a forgotten civilization buried in the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. The author, William Carlsen, leaves out nothing in the story as he sketches a brief bio of their personal lives.

Stephens had studied originally for the Law profession, but was drawn away from New York to the Mediterranean for his health, where he indulged in a study of the great sites of Europe, Egypt, and the Middle East. Taking Catherwood, an architect/ artist he met there, they journeyed to Central America and began exploring and recording the many ruins of the Maya Empire. Before that, it was thought that the Americas had been sparsely populated by roving bands of hunter/gatherer tribes. Of course, the population of the area had been greatly reduced because the diseases Columbus and others brought to the coast had rushed far inland, devastating empires ahead of the Conquistadores.

I read this book as part of my Journey Around the World in 80 Books challenge for the Honduras. (My book-trip will continue from here to El Salvador.) I debated before buying the book, unsure how detailed it might be, and not wanting one of the trend of ‘pop-history’ books that float around today rewriting the real history. There was none of that here. I chose the Audible originally and quickly decided to splurge for the Kindle version as well to continue in Whisper-sync, because the pronunciation of some of the city names was excellent. This was even better when I realized the Audible included many very good illustrations and maps. So, it is certainly not a book I would suggest going with the Audible alone.

One of the more fascinating aspects of Maya studies for me has always been the limitations they had with muscle, technology, and tools. The book includes details on the facts; such as the lack of larger land animals in the Mesoamericas for protein, not even wheels for technology, and the use of Stone Age tools. But, the book also includes details of competition between a British expedition that tried to ‘out-scoop’ Stephens’ expeditions. There is much here that could not even be gained from the individual primary sources of Stephens’ own books written during his expeditions, though I certainly hope to get good hardback copies of those for all of Catherwood’s excellent artwork. And, interesting details are included like the fact that barbecue was first discovered in this area (and among the Taino Indians.)

From the Mayan Cities of Copan and Palenque to Chichen Itza and many cities in between; Stephens and Catherwood uncovered the story of the Americas etched in the hieroglyphs and carved bas-reliefs of a lost people. They found themselves often in the midst of revolutions and wars, and survived diseases and malaria to recount their discoveries, some of which have been since left in rubbles, and are preserved only in the drawings of their books. Across mountains and through jungles, this book brings the story to life.

"Jungle of Stone" appears to be author William Carlsen's first book for a popular audience. He's done a very fine job. Carlsen's history is as a top-flight investigative journalist, and its obvious in the quality of the writing and the flow of the story. He knows how to bring the reader along on an exciting journey of discovery.
This is the tale of John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, starting in 1839, as they ventured deep into Central America on a harrowing expedition of exploration of ancient and magnificent Mayan ruins. Although not the discoverers, the two men were responsible for telling the world about the almost unbelievable feats of the Mayan builders and artisans at a time then long forgotten. The author delves extensively into Stephens' and Catherwood's lives as they endure incredible deprivations to feed their passion for knowledge about the great mysteries of the lost Mayan civilization. I enjoyed the tale very much. My one qualm is that the story maybe explores a few too many 'bunny trails (asides)', making it a bit longer than maybe was necessary. But overall, a good book to be recommended.

Through over 400 pages of main text, this book never lets go. The mind boggling adventures, explorations and discoveries of Stephens and Catherwood are recounted with extraordinary dynamism in prose that is clear, friendly, very lively and immensely captivating. Reading about civil war, narrow escapes, dangerous bugs and other inhospitable wildlife, debilitating disease, unbearable climate, horrible living conditions and the thrill and elation of discovery, I realized that I could not put the book down. But when I had to, I could hardly wait to get back to it.

In addition, the book is peppered throughout with several photos, drawings and figures that are very useful and valuable complements to this amazing story.

Anyone who enjoys gripping tales of adventure should not let this one go by; there would be no disappointment…. And to top it off, the thrilling adventures recounted are true.

If you like true life adventure and exploration stories, think Shackleton and Darwin, then you will love this book. It is written in the very readable language of a novel, not the dry language of a text book. Every time I thought I might skim ahead a few pages, I was drawn back to reading every word.

The title of the book is inaccurate. It states that this is the true story of two men, their extraordinary journey and the discovery of the lost civilization of the Maya. If the book had actually just focused on that topic, it would have been fascinating. Unfortunately, the book throws in so many more story plots and details that it derails that fascinating journey of discovery. At times this is the entire life story of Stephen and Catherwood. At times this is a history of the region including long chapters on wars in the region. There are even chapters on English soldiers exploring the region that had virtually nothing to do with the story except that Stephens and Catherwood had met them. All of these diversions dilutes the focus on Stephen's and Catherwood's journey and made it actually tough to finish the book. Just as you get engrossed in their harrowing adventures, off the story goes to some other topic. The ending epitomizes this lack of focus. The last chapter has an eloquent ending of their Mayan adventures, describing the "glowering stone lords of the forest." Except it's not the end as Carlsen adds an addedum of Stephen's work on the Panama Railroad. Just another example of the wandering focus of this book.

Glad the local Library purchased Jungle of Stone for many patrons to read! Excellent true story of 1836 adventures of 2 men I'd never heard about, even tho they are the grandfathers of American Archeology in Central American. Well written and gives reader sense of what it was like for the 1st western men to rediscover the Mayan civilization when travel was by foot, mule or sailing ship. Bonus information about the lives of Stephens & Catherwood and appreciation for the field artwork of Catherwood. Highly readable and recommended.

The title of the book is inaccurate. It states that this is the true story of two men, their extraordinary journey and the discovery of the lost civilization of the Maya. If the book had actually just focused on that topic, it would have been fascinating. Unfortunately, the book throws in so many more story plots and details that it derails that fascinating journey of discovery. At times this is the entire life story of Stephen and Catherwood. At times this is a history of the region including long chapters on wars in the region. There are even chapters on English soldiers exploring the region that had virtually nothing to do with the story except that Stephens and Catherwood had met them. All of these diversions dilutes the focus on Stephen's and Catherwood's journey and made it actually tough to finish the book. Just as you get engrossed in their harrowing adventures, off the story goes to some other topic. The ending epitomizes this lack of focus. The last chapter has an eloquent ending of their Mayan adventures, describing the "glowering stone lords of the forest." Except it's not the end as Carlsen adds an addedum of Stephen's work on the Panama Railroad. Just another example of the wandering focus of this book.

Glad the local Library purchased Jungle of Stone for many patrons to read! Excellent true story of 1836 adventures of 2 men I'd never heard about, even tho they are the grandfathers of American Archeology in Central American. Well written and gives reader sense of what it was like for the 1st western men to rediscover the Mayan civilization when travel was by foot, mule or sailing ship. Bonus information about the lives of Stephens & Catherwood and appreciation for the field artwork of Catherwood. Highly readable and recommended.

Jungle of Stone is a fabulous story beautifully told. It succeeds as history, biography, mystery and adventure. Author William Carlsen shares his own excitement with the reader. I couldn’t put it down. In fact, the book is so rich in odd people, exotic places and links of history that I’m about to reread it. It’s that good.

Kevin Leary
First Street Books
Kentfield, California

William Carlsen uses his highly adept literary skills to take the reader on a captivating journey to historically enthralling places and periods. Meticulously researched, Jungle of Stone explores the lives of two extraordinary 19th-century explorers, John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, whose combined talents in art and literature introduced the Romantic Era to the lost world of the ancient Mayan people. More than a history, biography, or adventure, Jungle of Stone captures the spirit of a time when new cultures seemed more exotic, travel was always challenging and information slow to disseminate. This book is a must for armchair travelers whose appreciation for adventure can only be gratified by a great read. I thoroughly recommend this book.

Well written, true adventure story of 3 early explorer's of the Mayan culture. Fills in questions about the culture without slowing down the adventure. Wonderful pictures and original adventurer's drawings to make their discoveries understandable.

This is a marvelous book. Mr. Carlsen does a beautiful job telling an adventure story about a little-known period of history -- before photography -- when it took an exceptional artist and a writer (like Carlsen) who could speak to real people and unmask long-buried mysteries. I was riveted.

This book is about discovering the remains of Mayan civilization, which was accomplished in one determined effort by its two main characters, John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. Through effective cooperation, good planning, skill, and luck, they (literally) uncovered the remains of the great Mayan civilization, which had died centuries before the arrival of Columbus. Their explorations occurred in the first half of the 1800’s.

Stephens had previously established himself as a travel writer, and Catherwood was a famous artist. About half of the book is spent on the biographies of the two men prior to the Mayan exploration, despite the author’s assertion that relatively little is known about the private life of either man. The author was able to find only one sketch of the writer explorer, and the author asserts that there is no existing likeness of the artist explorer.

The two explorers successfully published several books about their Mayan explorations, and it appears that the present book is largely excerpted from those books. After a lot of description of the appearance of the ruins that were found, and about the Mayan hieroglyphs, THERE IS ALMOST NO DISCUSSION OF MAYAN CIVILIZATION OR THE MEANING OF THE HIEROGLYPHS. One gets the impression that the author is a dilettante who became enamored of the Mayan ruins as a tourist.

When dealing with the actual exploration, the book reads like entries from a logbook. The author’s tale has its interesting moments, but one cannot escape the feeling that the book is largely a transcription of passages from Stephens’ and Catherwood’s original books, padded with details that could only have come from the imagination of the author.

The story is carried largely carried by the illustrations that the two explorers published in their own books, many of which are reproduced in this book. Also, there is a single, essential map of the explorers’ route of exploration. Not knowing this, I listened to this book in its audio edition. However, AN AUDIO BOOK CANNOT RENDER ILLUSTRATIONS, so issuing an audio version is idiotic. I had to check a print version of the book to make sense of the story.

This book was a huge disappointment on several counts.

Carlsen’s 10 Year Research Reads Like a Novel

Jungle of Stone reads like an adventure novel. Yet it all really happened in the 1840’s. This book captures the underlying spirit of discovery that gripped America during it’s ‘Destiny’ of expansion. These explorers discovered the real history of the Western Hemisphere and altered the prevailing narrative away from the Euro-centric historians. I found it courageous and uplifting, makes you proud to be an American.