The Kon-Tiki Expedition

I loved this book. A real story, wonderfully written and the antithesis of our "reality TV" world. Recalling my balsa wood models of this raft made at school, I had to see the film when it arrived here, and afterwards the book. The temptation to compare the two is strong, but I'll concentrate on the book. Heyerdahl made observations of the natural world and it's human inhabitants in the South Sea Islands and came to a conclusion regarding their origins. No-one among the accepted authorities of the time believed him. It was a matter of principle and he set out to prove it, resting on a theory. The book reveals the preparations taken, the huge difficulties he and his crew had to overcome just to get the logs to the shore, and the exceptional journey which followed.The style remains stoically factual and innocent, uncluttered with petty thoughts and personal issues. He set out to document what happened, as did his colleagues with their notes and diaries, photos and film. They carried out some scientific research and tested equipment, using their time as usefully as possible. The attention to detail is balanced with overview and anecdote. The text remains lively and involves the reader in the expedition. On the way we all learn something, perhaps more than we expect to. The simplicity of their life at sea, pursuing a single goal, uncluttered, for entertainment just books and a guitar, barely in contact by radio with civilisation, but fundamentally in contact with the natural world. On one solitary item one could argue that our modern society has advanced: some of us no longer regard sharks as "bad" or as disposable commodities, but confronted with death every day, I think anyone would probably consider them at least for the duration of the voyage as an enemy. Otherwise the respect for life and living things is pervasive throughout.Of all Heyedahl's exceptional achievements, his deep understanding of and commitment to the origins of humanity impressed me the most. If a good book transports you to another world, allows you to reflect on aspects which you never have time for, learn new things, be uplifted and exhilarated, to yearn for a different experience, different skills and courage, then this book succeeds.

I’ve been to Polynesia, and stood out on a deserted beach, staring out at the vastness of the Pacific, it is only natural to imagine how these people first arrived in such a remote location. Thor Heyerdahl, in living memory, in one of the greatest sea voyages of all time, also wondered this, and set in motion a fabulous journey to emulate the ancestors of the modern day Polynesians, by sailing on a traditional pae-pae or raft from his theorized seeding point of the race in Peru. Kon-Tiki was a pre-Incan King who escaping from battle defeat on mainland South America, headed off into the Pacific Ocean sunset, seeking new lands. Thor and his five Scandic compadres repeated this adventure, having thoroughly researched every detail of it. Their voyage was viewed by most experts as a complete suicide mission. This book narrates wonderfully the ship’s log, as they trundled along the empty oceans on a unique epic of discovery. From the sea creatures they encountered en route, to the sparseness of their abode, Heyerdahl records in graphic detail every aspect of their plight. It is a truly enlightening tale, which reads exceptionally well. It is a real page-turner, which grips you as the journey progresses and you genuinely can empathise with the men’s elation when they finally strike land and spend a few weeks partying with the natives, Polynesian style. It’s a happy tale and an amazing true story. A great read! Highly recommended. https://wezgbooks.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/review-kon-tiki/

When I visited Norway I went to the Museum of Kon-Tiki. I found the true story cultivated my imagination and I wanted to learn more. The story captures the journey the first inhabitants took two unknown worlds.

Brilliant book,remember on tv,however forgot,old age .Grumpy Grandad

This is a real adventure which I read as a schoolboy over 50 years ago and again in 2017 when covering the area on a more comfortable cruise . We set off from the same port Callo in Peru and sailed to New Zealand via the beautiful Polynesian Islands of Easter Island ,Tahiti and Bora Bora. . The bravery of these men was brought home , but more importantly for the reader,it is brilliantly written and keeps the reader on the edge. The adventure on a balsa wood raft was a scientific experiment to see if it was was possible that people sailed from South America to the polynesian islands. The men did not have any experience of sailing and were warned of the dangers they would encounter,not to mention the limitation of the craft . They showed what could be achieved and that some of the problems of the construction did not turn out to be so. A great read.

Loved this story. It was really easy to read and the story is amazing. Hats off to the guys that were actually at sea for that long. Would recommend it if you want a good read that isn't too heavy.

I bought this for my son’s birthday and he started reading it straight away and loved every minute of it. He said he could easily have started reading it again and intends to go to Oslo to see the raft.

Terrible cover (it is not a romance - no women in it!) but a great account of an amazing adventure.

It's a Christmas present for a friend, book arrived promptly and in perfect condition. Very happy with my purchase!

Good readable pocket book, it was a great adventure

Es una historia apasionante siempre que se lee, la edición del libro sin ser de colección es más q suficiente! Practico más que elegante!

Zufällig wurde ich auf dieses historische Werk aufmerksam, absolut lesenswert. Danach möchte man unbedingt selbst Tahiti und einige umgebende Inseln besuchen, um den lebhaften Eindruck des Buches wenigstens ein Stück weit selbst wahrzunehmen. Dass ein Wissenschaftler eine solche Truppe zusammenstellt und seine Theorie der Besiedelung Polynesiens durch mittel-/südamerikanische Bewohner mit einem selbst nach antiken Mustern / Überlieferungen gebautem Floss praktisch nachweist, scheint in heutiger Zeit kaum vorstellbar. Ein sensationelles Werk, welches durch die späteren Expeditionen gar Reisen von Ägyptern als jedenfalls anteiligen Besiedelungsfaktor von Mittel-/Südamerika ernsthafter in Betracht ziehen lässt, z. B insbes. durch die auch dortigen Pyramidenkulturen.

Un libro genial con un aporte muy importante en expediciones a la Polinesia.Excelente libro para los aventureros y amantes de las culturas precolombinas.