40 pages 1 hour read

Douglas Preston

The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston recounts numerous expeditions in Honduras' La Mosquitia region, focusing on an aerial lidar survey and ground exploration led by Steve Elkins. The book covers historical context, discovers two ancient cities instead of one, and details the challenging jungle expedition. Sensitive topics include violence, disease, and life-threatening hazards.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God offers an enthralling account of a real-life expedition into the Honduran rainforest, blending science, history, and adventure. Critics praise its vivid storytelling and meticulous research. However, some found the detailed accounts of the expedition's hardships overwhelming. Overall, a riveting yet occasionally dense read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lost City of the Monkey God?

Readers who enjoy thrilling true adventures will be captivated by Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God. Fans of gripping narratives like The Lost City of Z by David Grann and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will appreciate the blend of history, archaeology, and danger in a real-life quest.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger

Topics

History: U.S.

Anthropology

Science / Nature

Genre

Anthropology

Travel Literature

Action / Adventure