This book was on the samuel johnson shortlist which first brought it to my attention ,having always loved adventures in the amazon ssince reading william price book as a 10 year old.It centres on the story of percy fawcett who was maybe the last great gentleman explorer .Crann paints fawcetts background then tells you about the fate city of z expedtion ,where fawcett dissappeared in what could have easily made a episode of ripping yarns .then you find out about there rescue missions  and myths legends asscioated with fawcett .The book is clearly written and wonderfully research with loads of footnotes and biblography for futher reading .The film rights have just been sold to brad pitt