This small book gives a very thorough reckoning of the first intentional exploration of the Green, Grand and Colorado rivers. The author, a professional river guide and adventure writer, also covers the controversies and notes subsequent expeditions. This is a both readable and balanced narrative.

For sources, Kuhne was able to draw on Powell's own (and very embellished) report, along with diaries and reported interviews. Apologists and attackers are weighed on both sides to help determine the truth in the extensive Aftermath and Epilogue sections. The majority of the book before that is a well constructed timeline of the expedition travels, including some notations on current locations. With reservoirs and Powell's namesake lake in the way, this expedition cannot be recreated today. Powell went on to co-found the National Geographic society.

There is one good map at the beginning of the book, and a nice section of photographs in the middle. The second (and rarely discussed - even by Powell) expedition had cameras, and some of those photos are amazing. It would have been nice to have maps of the canyon sections to accompany the appropriate chapters, though online search provides an excellent supplement. I believe I added this book to my reading list on spotting it in a Montana bookstore, and I am quite glad I did - recommended!