Dersu the Trapper

by V. K. Arseniev, Malcolm Burr (Translator)

Overview

In DERSU THE TRAPPER, Arseniev gives an account of his travels in the Ussuri region of far eastern Siberia in the early 1900s. It is a wilderness filled with creatures and tribes that make our Wild West look tame. Much of the narrative is woven around the character of Dersu Uzala, a native of the region, who became the author's guide, counselor and friend during these expeditions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780929701493
Publisher:	McPherson & Company
Publication date:	06/28/1996
Series:	Recovered Classics Series
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.52(h) x 1.02(d)

Editorial Reviews

Arseniev, a Russian geographer, ethnographer and geologist who surveyed the Taiga, the vast forest region of eastern Siberia, on three separate occasions between 1902 and 1907, knew the real Dersu Azala for some 19 months. The Dersu that appears here, is actually a composite character, combining the real Dersu with myths about the primitive lifestyle and heroic deeds of "noble savages" in the manner of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales. All three expeditions described in this memoir entailed life-threatening danger from blizzards, rainstorms, lack of food, wild animals or hostile nativesand all ended with Dersu's instinctive knowledge saving the day. In a stock ending to the meeting of civilized and savage, Arseniev persuaded Dersu to come with him, but his friend could not adapt to restrictions of life indoors, preferring the rigors of is old nomadic existence to the spurious comforts of city life. Burdened by an awkward, outdated translation, this somewhat repetitive memoir still sustains interest as it recounts the adventures of two exceptional friends. Film buffs will also recognize it as the basis for Kurosawa's 1975 Oscar-winning movie, Dersu Azala. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The essay and bibliography cover the essential information and controversies regarding the World War I battle that is credited as being a turning point in the war. The essay provides factual background, identifying major historiographical contentions, including the quality of British generalship, the use of technology, and the effectiveness of tactical planning. The alphabetically arranged bibliography consists of military history works related to Somme, but because aspects of strategy were influenced by politics some politically focused volumes have also been included. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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