The Man Who Walked Through Time: The Story of the First Trip Afoot Through the Grand Canyon

by Colin Fletcher

Book Overview

The author recounts his two-month hiking tour of the Grand Canyon, which won him the honor of being the first man to traverse Colorado River's giant gorge.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679723064
• ISBN13: 9780679723066
• Release Date: May 1989
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Amazing True Adventure

This book suceeds on every level and is one of the best adventure books I've read. Much more than a hiking guide, it is an amazingly well-written of a journey more mental than physical, as Colin shares deep insights into life, geology and the history of the Earth as revealed by the Grand Canyon. Backpackers will appreciate his accurate portrayals of hiking: the mixed emotions before setting of on a long and possible perilous journey, the still moments feeling at one with Nature, the way everyday minutia and worry eventually recedes into the background. If you have friends who want to know what backcountry hiking is all about (without actually going on one), this is the book to read. Also, for Canyon afficionados (such as myself), Fletcher's book captures the majesty, awe, and grandeur of America's (or at least Arizona's) crown jewel. Although written in the 1960's, this account does not feel dated. It is very much more than a 'been-there, done-that' journal of a record-setting performance, but instead has much to offer to any reader. Highly recommended.

Wonderful Tale of Mind and Spirit

I've never seen the Grand Canyon, but after reading Fletcher's book I feel that I've already been there. Colin's trek through the canyon in the early 1960's is a wonderful example of descriptive writing and attention to detail. One can almost visualize the immense passages of time as they unfolded before his eyes during his solitary walk through the heart of the canyon. Those of you looking for adventure and action need to look elsewhere, though. This book is about reflection and introspection, one man's thoughts about his (and mankind's) place and role on this planet. As Colin himself says the book and hike is meant to be more like a pilgrimage to a strange and wonderful place than a mere journal of collected thoughts. This inspiring book has me adding 'hike the Grand Canyon' on my life's 'to do' list, and it will be on yours, too!

A masterpiece from the "Elder of the tribe"

Preparing to hike the canyon myself I wanted to read up on what it would be like.I found "The Man Who Walked Through Time" in the bookstore on the Canyon's rim and read it right there,under a tree. This book will transport you to another world,deep below the rim and the mystery's and dangers therein. Colin Fletcher's courage and precise planning made for a successful journey and anyone planning a trip within the Grand Canyon would do well to read this book. I still have that worn copy I bought in 1972 and I re-read it once a year-just before I pull on my pack and head down the Canyon. Cheers Mr. Fletcher,Cheers.

A fantastic journey through the Grand Canyon on foot!

Colin Fletcher makes you feel you are by his side walking the entire length of the Grand Canyon National Park from border to border, West to East, over an entire season. The solitude and peace of this jouney is still with me after reading this story 21 years ago! You will be entertained throughout the trip with Colin's wealth of knowledge on Hiking, Nature, Geology, History, and his ever-dry sense of humor! I felt like he became an old friend with whom I wanted to visit again and again. -- Those who like this book will likely enjoy 'The 1000-Mile Summer' (California trek) and 'The Winds of Mara' (set in Africa) also by the author.

A book as alluring as the Grand Canyon itself

Colin Fletcher's THE MAN WHO WALKED THROUGH TIME is as alluring as the Grand Canyon itself. Why? It successfully fuses human spirit with rock, water, bush, and animal. We walk the Tonto plateau above the Colorado River with Mr. Fletcher and even beyond because our senses are stimulated to wonder, sometimes worry, about what's around the next bend. We feel the heat, we experience the spiney shaft of a cactus plant, we see the ravens soar above in desert skies, and we pray that we will make it to the next cache of supplies and cool water. For those of us seemingly locked into the corporate world of time, pressure, and demands for productive performance, this book provides necessary relief. And yet, there are different pressures, different times, and different demands for productive performance in the midst of that incredibly alluring Grand Canyon far below the world of the rim. Time is measured in penetrating silence. Pressure is felt on the feet and in the stomach. High performance is demanded in scaling a steep angle of loose and crumbling rock