The Darkest Jungle: The True Story of the Darien Expedition and America's Ill-Fated Race to Connect the Seas

Very informative about a period between the Mexican War and War Between The States. Little is told of these episodes in most history books and rarely talked about in school. The author (Balf) did a good job in telling the story and of the men involved, however, what would have been very helpful would have been to have maps showing locations and area photos; if they did exist, and have added them to the text. Not knowing the trails and routes that these individuals took, the location of camps and all the missed crossing points of one group as opposed to the other puts the reader at a disadvantaged. Trying to find old maps of the area on my own was difficult, but was worth the effort when trying to recreate how this expedition may have played out.

Balf does a great job of bringing readers up to speed with the time period the narrative takes place in, since most readers wouldn't know much of the race between the United States and Britain to find a path through central America and the various attempts before Strain's. The narrative itself reads extremely well, I finished this book in just a few days, yet I remember much of the details, particularly the botflies, which make me shudder to even read about. I agree with other reviewers who recommend it to adventure readers as well as history fans. 'Skeletons On The Zahara" by Dean King is also another worthwhile read, though I prefer Balf's less intrusive background information.

Great book, great story. Would have been an even better book if Balf had included more maps, illustrations, and even photos. The arrogance of Strain in taking on the Darien jungle reminds me of our going into Baghdad in 2003 completely oblivious of the local reality and survival strategies. In Baghdad the deadly challenge was the Sunni/Shiia historical rivalry and the Darien it was the jungle. In the Darien the Spanish had been there for 300 years and the indigenous populations for mileniums more. Yet, Strain went ahead without getting local support, an action that was key to Balboa's success. I've spent quite a bit of time in Panama hiking the colonial Camino de Cruces and can attest to tremendous challenge the jungle represents. The humidity is debilitating and the chiggers ubiquitous. I could barely endure hours and yet Strain endured weeks. I understand the Panama Historical Society has plans to locate Strain's grave and move his remains to the U.S. Military cemetary in Corazal. I hope they go through with this idea.

Started reading because I had book club-stayed with it, and finished...because i wanted to. Opened my eyes to just what the early surveyors of Panama Canal endured! highly recommended!

I really like the way that Todd Balf presented and researched the topic. A lady friend who won't let me join her on the cruise she is taking through the canal recommended the book to me. It has sparked my interest as does she.

Very interesting explorer book. I never realized how many expeditions went through that area looking for a pass between the oceans. Great read!

Great story and told in a very interesting way. This author obviously did a lot of quality research. Very interesting topic.

Excellent story. Not the most prolific, or creative, of writing, but the story alone is well worth the read! Looking forward to his others.