Amazonia contains by far the world's largest river and the greatest expanse of tropical rainforest, home to the most luxuriant biological diversity on the planet. Tree of Rivers brilliantly explains why the rainforest is crucial for our planets survival, and vividly describes the passionate struggles that have taken place to utilize, protect and understand it. John Hemmings thrilling account recalls the adventures and misadventures of intrepid explorers, Jesuits and the rubber barons who enslaved thousands of Indians. It also tells of 19th-century botanists, humanitarians and advocates for Indian rights, as well as the archaeologists and anthropologists who have uncovered the secrets of early man here. Hemming also describes the Amazons flora, fauna and natural beauty, all now under threat as the forests are destroyed to feed our appetite for timber, beef and soya.