Down the Great Unknown

John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon

By: Edward Dolnick

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Drawing on rarely examined diaries and journals, Down the Great Unknown is the first book to tell the full, dramatic story of the Powell expedition.

On May 24, 1869 a one-armed Civil War veteran, John Wesley Powell and a ragtag band of nine mountain men embarked on the last great quest in the American West. The Grand Canyon, not explored before, was as mysterious as Atlantis—and as perilous. The ten men set out from Green River Station, Wyoming Territory down the Colorado in four wooden rowboats. Ninety-nine days later, six half-starved wretches came ashore near Callville, Arizona.

Lewis and Clark opened the West in 1803, six decades later Powell and his scruffy band aimed to resolve the West’s last mystery. A brilliant narrative, a thrilling journey, a cast of memorable heroes—all these mark Down the Great Unknown, the true story of the last epic adventure on American soil.

Great story, perhaps over-narrated.

Good listening, also enjoyed diversions into geology, historical context and side stories of other explorers. My only critique is the extent to which Dolnick seeks to convince the reader that navigating a river is dangerous: employing analogies of bucking Broncos, plunging dolfins etc.- I might suggest excessively.

Excellent story of great river

This is a great story or the Powell expedition of the Colorado river. Having been on the river myself it was a picture of the places that I have been and sights that I have seen.

Inherently interesting

Detailed historical references to writings of participants in expedition supplemented with expert commentary by experts in whitewater and the geological history of the canyon and the Colorado plateau.

Amazing story.

I loved it. Such an interesting story. Well written book that keeps your attention.

Loved the new detail and additions to the history I have read and loved for years

Narrators voice can be a little irritating, although it is flavored like I would imagine a mountain man’s.