Theodor Koch-Grunberg (1872-1924) was a noted German ethnologist and explorer whose work on the indigenous peoples of Brazil and Venezuela is still consulted by anthropologists, ethnologists and linguists. His most important publication was this five-volume account of his 1911-1913 expedition from the sandstone mountains bordering Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana through uncharted territory westwards to the Orinoco. Volume 1 is a description of the journey, based on the diaries in which Koch-Grunberg recorded his immediate impressions. This entertaining informal travelogue covers a huge variety of topics including insect life, illness, gambling, theft, food supply and hunting, myths and shamanic rituals, as well as the practical difficulties of covering the terrain. Koch-Grunberg vividly describes the individuals he meets, and his reactions to his experiences, ranging from fury and frustration to amusement, admiration, and gratitude. The book has over fifty illustrations, mostly the author's own photographs.

Table of Contents

1. Auf dem Rio Negro und Rio Branco; 2. In Sao Marcos; 3. Die Savannen von Chiquiba und die ersten Gebirge; 4. Bei Hauptling Pita in Koimelemong; 5. Zuruck nach Sao Marcos; 6. Wieder in Koimelemong; 7. Zum Roroima; 8. Bei den Taulipang am Roroima; 9. 'Dreizehnlinden' am oberen Surumu; 10. Die letzen Tage in Koimelemong und Sao Marcos; 11. Nach Westen; 12. In Inselgewirr von Maraca; 13. Im Landen der wilden Waika; 14. Geduld-Lager; 15. Uber die Wasserscheide zum Merewari; 16. In Fiebernest Motokurunya; 17. Zum Ventuari; 18. Regenzeit; 19. Bei den Majonggong; 20. Antonio Yaracune; 21. Zuruck; 22. Auf neuen Wegen zum Orinoco; 23. Schluss.