VAIN SHADOW

by Hartzell Spence ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 19, 1947

Here, in colorful and dramatic terms, is a story that must have been many times repeated as the conquistadores set their seal upon the new world. This is in particular the story of Orellano, discoverer of the Amazon. An ambitious and gifted Spaniard, eager to win a governorship and wealth in Peru, Orellano suffered incredible deprivations and losses to bring a handful of wasted, ragged men to a promised meeting with Pizarro, one of the famous brothers. Pizarro gave him recognition and honeyed words; he appointed him commander and when he himself met failure, he turned on Orellano and sought his life. The main body of the story traces the adventures on river and in the jungle, the discovery of the Amazon, the return to Spain to seek the wherewithal to return and colonize. It is an enthralling story for those who like picaresque adventure; it is based on scholarship and a tremendous zest for his material evident in the richness of his background. A far cry, however, from One Foot In Heaven. This will be heavily backed by the publishers.

Pub Date: May 19, 1947

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Whittlesey

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1947

Categories: FICTION