Review of “Looking for Legends” by Scott and Tarantino

95/100 (9.5 out of 10)

Looking for Legends by Scott and Tarantino might be the ULTIMATE adventure book!

Looking for Legends is an enthralling travel memoir that takes readers on a journey through some of the world's most awe-inspiring and perilous locations. Blending personal anecdotes with historical and cultural insights, the authors share their experiences of climbing the greatest mountains, exploring dangerous jungles, and visiting historical sites.

The book recounts significant climbing adventures, including tales of the greatest mountain climber who began his ascent at age five (Reinhold Messner), emphasizing the allure and danger of conquering the world's highest peaks. Historical escapades are vividly brought to life, such as the daring escape from a POW camp by Austrians (Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter) in colonial India and the remarkable story of Lawrence of Arabia. Hey, did you know that Lawrence of Arabia lost his first draft on a train and had to rewrite it all from memory? Dang! Can you imagine that? Well, some writers can.

Cultural reflections are woven throughout the narrative, with explorations of the origins of tango in Argentina and connections to the legacy of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. 

The spirit of exploration and discovery is a constant theme, with stories of figures like Jim Thompson, the Silk King of Thailand, and ethnobotanist Richard Schultes, who turned ethnographic myths into scientific facts. The search for kawari poison darts in the Amazon further showcases the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science.

Jim Thompson, known as the Silk King of Thailand, is one of the most interesting figures in thee book. Thompson's story is one of adventure, entrepreneurship, and mystery. An American architect who became enamored with Thailand, he revitalized the Thai silk industry, turning it into a globally recognized brand. His extensive knowledge of Southeast Asian art and culture, combined with his innovative business strategies, transformed the local craft into an international luxury commodity.

Thompson's passion for exploration led him to deep jungles and remote villages, where he sought out traditional silk weavers and brought their exquisite craftsmanship to the world's attention. His sudden and mysterious disappearance in the Malaysian highlands in 1967 adds an enigmatic twist to his legacy, leaving behind a tale of intrigue that continues to fascinate and inspire. Through Thompson's journey, the book highlights the intersection of cultural preservation and modern entrepreneurship, illustrating how one man's vision can impact an entire industry and culture.

Now, in all honesty, we got a little mixed up around this time because there were two major people named Jim in this section: the aforementioned Jim Thompson (the “Silk King”) and Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter. We kinda conflated them into one person in our minds. Anyway, Jim Corbett is probably the most fascinating person in the book. Why? Well, because he took on and killed two nigh-mythological beasts like some kind of Greek  or Sumerian hero. Specifically, he hunted and slayed the Champawat Man-Eater and the Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag (among others). 

The Champawat Man-Eater was a female Bengal tiger responsible for an estimated 436 human deaths in Nepal and the Kumaon area of India. Her attacks began in Nepal, where she killed approximately 200 people before the Nepalese army drove her across the border into India. Once in India, she continued her attacks, instilling terror in the local population. The British colonial government was forced to close schools and other establishments in the area to protect the people.

Jim Corbett was called in to hunt the Champawat Man-Eater. In 1907, Corbett tracked and killed the tiger near the town of Champawat. His successful hunt brought him significant recognition, and he later documented the story in his book Man-Eaters of Kumaon.

The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag was active between 1918 and 1926, responsible for the deaths of more than 125 people in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal region. The leopard was known for its cunning and ability to evade hunters, creating widespread fear in the region. It would often enter villages at night to carry off its victims. Jim Corbett was once again called upon to track and kill this elusive predator. The hunt was particularly challenging due to the leopard's intelligence and stealth. After several months of pursuit, Corbett successfully shot the leopard in 1926.

While these stories celebrate Jim and vilify the man-eating animals, they also highlight another theme in this book: the destructive influences of colonialism (especially British colonialism) and how it disrupted and disturbed the natural habitats of animals like tigers and leopards, forcing them toward population centers to get food.

Philosophical musings invite readers to reflect on the significance of recorded history and the meticulous documentation of Himalayan climbs, pondering the choice between dreams and memories. The memoir underscores the perils of mountaineering, noting that 80% of climbing deaths occur on the descent due to fatigue and premature celebration. Through the lens of Richard Halliburton's ultimate adventures, the authors celebrate the human spirit's relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.

There are some interesting passages that we enjoyed, the key one being:

“WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE, DREAMS OR MEMORIES?

THE ANSWER TO OUR QUESTION

DREAMS. We’d rather have dreams than memories. We’d rather look forward than back. We prefer tomorrow to yesterday. And our favorite trip has always been the next one. And why not? You can’t look forward unless you have a forward to look forward to”

Scott and Tarantino bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the book. Scott is a multisport athlete, equestrian, coach, mentor, and explorer, who has traveled to more than fifty countries, all while being a mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of fifteen. Tarantino, an entrepreneur and private investor, complements her adventures with his extensive library that facilitates vicarious travel. Together, they aim to introduce readers to unique destinations and the people who inhabit them, blending personal experiences with historical and cultural narratives. Their stories of individuals and places make Looking for Legends more than just a travel guide; it is an inspiring and educational journey that encourages readers to explore new cultures and appreciate the diversity of the world.

This is a book about pioneers, mavericks, and trailblazers!

Check it out on Amazon!

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