Hell's Gorge

An epic tale of human folly and endeavour, beautifully told and researched – John le CarréMatthew Parker has picked a fascinating subject and written a book worthy of it … It is peopled with a host of characters, some heroic, others corrupt, almost all out of the ordinary. There isn’t a dull page – Allan Massie * Daily Telegraph *Parker’s epic story, from the 18th century to the present day, is awesome * The Times *A completely wonderful book, beautifully written, amazingly researched * William Dalrymple *An excellent, excellent book * Anita Anand *Parker has written the Panama story for a new generation. He quotes extensively from letters and diaries of ordinary workers writing home to their families. And it is their heartfelt views on the conditions in which they lived and worked that really bring this book to life * The Economist *Parker’s great forte in Panama Fever is to bring this complex story to life through a succession of vivid characters * Sunday Telegraph *Parker guides readers through the complicated story with a sure sense of both the larger narrative and the telling detail * Sunday Times *Excellent… the story is an epic one, and Parker has brilliantly done justice to every aspect of a complex episode – Frank McLynn * Independent *The essence of Parker’s rather remarkable achievement in this altogether entertaining history is to show just how much more than an engineering triumph the construction of the canal really was… This is exemplary history, vigorously told with a respect for complexity that enriches rather than obscures the pleasure of a great story * LA Times *

Matthew Parker is a critically acclaimed historian who has written for numerous UK national newspapers, literary and historical magazines, as well as lecturing around the world and contributing to TV and radio programmes in the UK, Canada and the US. An elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Parker’s books include The Battle of Britain, Monte Cassino, Panama Fever, The Sugar Barons and Goldeneye- Ian Fleming in Jamaica. Parker lives in east London with his family.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.