Into the Heart of Borneo by Redmond O'Hanlon

Into the Heart of Borneo by Redmond O'Hanlon

Embark on the hilariously harrowing journey that established Redmond O'Hanlon as one of travel literature's most original voices in his classic debut, Into the Heart of Borneo. Lured by the promise of uncharted territory and the near-mythical Bornean rhinoceros, the naturalist O'Hanlon drags the Vorticist poet James Fenton deep into the island's formidable interior. What follows is an extraordinary chronicle of misadventure: navigating treacherous rivers, enduring sweltering jungles teeming with exotic (and often alarming) wildlife, encountering enigmatic Iban tribesmen, and surviving it all fueled by O'Hanlon's insatiable curiosity and Fenton's deadpan wit. This is O'Hanlon at his best—blending meticulous natural history observation with laugh-out-loud descriptions of chaos, discomfort, and the sheer absurdity of their quest.

Why You’ll Love This Book

You'll be captivated by O'Hanlon's brilliant, unique blend of scholarly fascination, self-deprecating humor, and genuine, nail-biting peril. The dynamic between the enthusiastic naturalist O'Hanlon and the wry, suffering poet Fenton creates an unforgettable literary partnership. It’s an unparalleled armchair expedition—both thrillingly adventurous and sidesplittingly funny—into one of the world's wildest places, penned by a master storyteller.