Throughtful Reader

By Larry Rother (480 Pages)

A great novel about a guy I had no idea about.

This is a story about a man named Candido Rondon. Candido was a Brazilian Military officer, a pacifist, explorer, and a strong advocate for Indigenous Brazilians.

Born in 1865 in Mimoso, Condon would be raised by his grandparents after his father died of Smallpox in 1864, and his mother dying 2 years after he was born.

He finished high school at 16 and taught elementary school for 2 years after. He would join the military in and enrolled in the 3rd Regiment of the Horse Artillery. Among his studies while serving was mathematics, Physical and Natural Sciences at the Superior School of War. He would be commissioned as an officer in 1888 as a Second Lieutenant. He was involved in the Coup that would overthrow Pedro II, the Emperor of Brazil.

In 1890 he would work with the Army engineers there and help create the first telegraph line across the state of Mato Grosso. He would also help in the construction of the road between Rio De Janeiro and Cuiaba, which is the capital of Mato Grosso. He would spend the next 6 years after laying down telegraph lines between Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

In 1914 he asked to help Theodore Roosevelt complete and expedition down the Rio Da Duvida (River of doubt). The trip was successful but came with many hazards and problems. Roosevelt nearly died, the group not even remotely prepared for the humidity, and cases of Malaria that hit the group.

After his trip with Roosevelt, Condon would complete another expedition mapping the state of Mato Grosso. This time around he would discover more rivers and made contact with several indigenous tribes.

Between 1924-25 he led Army Forces against rebellions in the state of Sao Paulo. He was in charge of the diplomatic mission to mediate a dispute between Colombia and Peru over the town of Leticia.

Needless to say his life was productive, and with purpose. He would pass away on 5 May 1955. He was awarded the title of Marshal of the Brazilian Army. Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize (on the recommendation of Albert Einstein)

A fascinating book about an incredible man. I highly recommend that if you are interested in South American History, that this is a good book to read and learn a little about it.