"Osa and Martin" tells the story of world-renowned adventurers Osa and Martin Johnson, who, from the 1910s through the 1940s, brought the jungles of Africa and the South Pacific to millions of Americans. It takes us from their first expedition to the South Seas, which established their public image as an independent, daring couple, to their first African adventure, where they proved their films were authentic glimpses of untarnished nature. From their jungle camp in northern Kenya, they filmed and lived with wildlife while Osa drew upon her pioneer roots to carve a home in the wilderness. Back in America, Martin found respect among men of science, while Osa flirted with an intrigued general public. She wrote children's books about her exotic pets, began her own line of clothing, and marketed toy animals to benefit wildlife conservation. After Martin's death, Osa returned to Africa only once, but she remained an influential voice in the field of wildlife conservation until her death in 1953. The first book on this legendary pair written for a general audience, "Osa and Martin" is a thrilling and inspiring read.Praise for Kelly Enright's previous book, "Rhinoceros" "Like its predecessors, this volume alternately informs, delights, moves, and astonishes. Success here owes as much to author as to subject. The former, a cultural and environmental historian, acquits herself admirably, distilling fact from fiction, employing supple and incisive prose, and trailing casual acumen in her measured wake."--"Atlantic""Historian [Kelly] Enright showcases the careers of Osa and Martin Johnson, explorers, wildlife-movie pioneers, and inseparable adventure seekers. . . . The couple's delight and happiness in living the life they made for each other shines through."--"Kirkus Reviews"Praise for Kelly Enright's previous book, "Rhinoceros" "Like its predecessors, this volume alternately informs, delights, moves, and astonishes. Success here owes as much to author as to subject. The former, a cultural and environmental historian, acquits herself admirably, distilling fact from fiction, employing supple and incisive prose, and trailing casual acumen in her measured wake."--"Atlantic""Osa and Martin" tells the story of world-renowned adventurers Osa and Martin Johnson, who, from the 1910s through the 1940s, brought the jungles of Africa and the South Pacific to millions of Americans. It takes us from their first expedition to the South Seas, which established their public image as an independent, daring couple, to their first African adventure, where they proved their films were authentic glimpses of untarnished nature. From their jungle camp in northern Kenya, they filmed and lived with wildlife while Osa drew upon her pioneer roots to carve a home in the wilderness.
