016 - Chapter 328

In Volume 3, the gripping conclusion of the Personal Narrative series, we follow the remarkable journeys of Alexander von Humboldt and botanist Aimé Bonpland as they traverse the vibrant landscapes of South and Central America, along with the Caribbean. Their adventure begins in Angostura, the former capital of Spanish Guiana, where both men recover from a debilitating fever contracted during their expedition along the Orinoco River. Once revitalized, they set out again, making their way back through Spanish Guiana and Venezuela to the coastal town of Nueva Barcelona before embarking on a new leg of their journey to Cuba and beyond. Richly detailed, von Humboldts narrative paints a vivid picture of the people, flora, fauna, and geological wonders they encounter along the way. This volume also delves into the complex issues of slavery in Cuba and offers an insightful geological overview of the regions of South America north of the Amazon and east of the Andes. (summary by Gail Timmerman-Vaughan)