The Path Between the Seas

The Path Between the Seas
David McCullough
Simon and Schuster,1977. 704 pgs.or 8 discs. non-fiction

I truly admire David McCullough, his research and time spent on each book is incredible. “The Path Between The Seas” is no exception. The events that led up to the 44 year building of the canal are overwhelming. Lives were destroyed by scandal, disease, greed and tragedies. Mankind benefited from medical advances in fighting yellow fever, malaria and other tropical diseases but not until entire families had been wiped out. Engineering feats are still marveled at today. Determination, grit and perseverance made heroes out of ordinary men.

I listened to the Simon & Schuster, 8 disc, 9 hour abridged version (there currently is no unabridged version) read by a very able Edward Herrmann. The first part of the book had too many names, financial and technical facts for my personal liking but the last third of the book picked up the pace and was fascinating. I looked through the book afterward and I didn’t notice much missing in the abridgement except it would have been interesting to have been able to see the pictures and maps that are included in the book. I would recommend this book to American history buffs or anyone lucky enough to be going on a Panama Canal cruise. mpb