First published 1989
Thurston Clarke embarks on an ambitious trek across the world's equatorial zone, spending three years moving through steamy jungles, remote islands, and bustling cities that ring the earth's middle. He encounters diverse cultures, navigates challenging terrain, and documents the unique ecosystems that thrive in these perpetually warm latitudes. From the Amazon rainforest to African villages to Pacific atolls, Clarke immerses himself in local communities and observes how geography shapes human life. His journey reveals both the shared experiences of equatorial peoples and the distinct ways different societies have adapted to life in the tropics. Clarke's extended expedition becomes a meditation on how climate and location influence culture, politics, and daily existence along this invisible line that circles the globe.
Genres: biography, nature, travel, geography, adventure, anthropology
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: adventure, exploration, travelogue
Setting: Africa, Amazon Rainforest, Equator, Pacific Atolls
Hardcover · Arrow (A Division of Random House Group)