Heyerdahl

When the Kon-Tiki ran aground on August 7, 1947, off the coast of Raroia in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Thor Heyerdahl had completed the journey of his life: he had demonstrated that science had underestimated the seaworthiness of ancient watercraft—and that it was indeed possible to cross the Pacific on a balsawood raft. The (originally very timid) adventurer had traveled 8,000 kilometers with a small crew on the raft, from Peru to Polynesia—thus, for Heyerdahl, the proof seemed established that the settlement of Polynesia from South America was possible. Thor Heyerdahl was at the height of his fame; his account of the Kon-Tiki expedition sold 50 million copies worldwide in over 67 languages. Admired by many and celebrated as a hero, he also had to endure fierce criticism. Numerous scientists questioned his theories and methods. For Heyerdahl, this was no reason to lower the sails—instead, he soon set off on new expeditions. In this first comprehensive and highly praised biography in Norway, Ragnar Kvam traces the colorful life of the man who was many things—a scientist, adventurer, jack-of-all-trades, ambitious, prominent, controversial—and whose name, even ten years after his death, is still associated with daring explorations and the Kon-Tiki.