Who Was Percy Fawcett? His Upbringing and Early Expeditions

An explorer in the Amazon Rainforest in the early 1900s.

Who was Percy Fawcett? What experiences led him to become an explorer? What did he discover about indigenous tribes? Percy Fawcett, born in 1867, was a famous British geographer, explorer, cartographer, and archaeologist. He’s most famous for his expeditions to South America in search of a theorized lost civilization—and for disappearing mysteriously on one said expedition. Keep reading to learn about Fawcett’s upbringing and early expeditions, from the book The Lost City of Z by David Grann.

Percy Fawcett’s Search for a Lost Amazon Civilization

A man digging up stones looking for a lost Amazon civilization.

What is the “City of Z”? Why led Percy Fawcett to believe in its existence? How did he fund his expeditions? In the late 1800s/early 1900s, a British explorer named Percy Fawcett was convinced that there was a lost Amazon civilization, and he was determined to find it. However, he struggled to secure the funds for his expedition due to skepticism and rivals. Here’s why Fawcett believed the City of Z existed and how he funded his expeditions, according to The City of Z by David Grann.

What Happened to Percy Fawcett? A Look at His Disappearance

Three explorers wading in water in the jungle.

What happened to Percy Fawcett, his son, and Raleigh Rimell? Did anything come out of the rescue missions? Percy Fawcett was a British explorer known for his explorations into the Amazon rainforest to discover the “City of Z.” On one of those expeditions, Fawcett, along with his son and his friend, went missing. Here’s a closer look at Fawcett’s disappearance and the aftermath, as told in the book The City of Z by David Grann.

The Lost City of Z by David Grann—Book Overview

A man alone in the Amazon rainforest wearing explorer clothes.

Who was explorer Percy Fawcett? Why did he believe the “City of Z” existed? How did he disappear? The Lost City of Z by David Grann recounts the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett. Fawcett’s disappearance still captivates audiences today and has led to the creation of many theories. Continue reading for an overview of Percy Fawcett’s story, as told in The City of Z.

How to Recover From Trauma: Lessons From the Holocaust

woman made of jigsaw puzzle pieces being put together illustrates how to recover from trauma with lessons from the Holocaust

Are you trying to recover from trauma? What might you learn from a Holocaust victim? At the age of sixteen, Edith Eva Eger was sent to Auschwitz. Her transformation from a Holocaust survivor to a respected psychologist exemplifies the resilience and strength inherent in human nature, along with the profound impact of self-acceptance and conscious choices. Keep reading to learn how to recover from trauma with Eger’s lessons from the Holocaust.

Who Is Bobby Pappas? (The Greatest Beer Run Ever)

an underground communications bunker during the Vietnam War where Bobby Pappas might have worked (The Greatest Beer Run Ever)

Who’s Bobby Pappas? What was his condition when Chick Donohue found him in Vietnam? When John “Chick” Donohue made an epic beer run to Vietnam during the war, he planned to drop in on his pal Bobby Pappas. He wanted to bring him news and encouragement from home. But, first, Chick had to make sure Bobby was still alive. Keep reading for an overview of Bobby Pappas (The Greatest Beer Run Ever).

Surviving the Holocaust: How to Deal With Survivor’s Guilt

a woman by a tall barbed wire fence in the 1940s illustrates surviving the Holocaust and how to deal with survivor’s guilt

Do you feel guilty for surviving a traumatic experience? What might you learn about survivor’s guilt from a victim of the Holocaust? In her memoir, Dr. Edith Eva Eger delves into the arduous process of reconstructing her existence following the genocide of World War II. She highlights the obstacles that survivors encountered and the routes they took to achieve meaning and purpose. Continue reading to learn how to deal with survivor’s guilt by understanding what surviving the Holocaust means to Eger.

Edith Eger: Auschwitz on the Outside—Freedom on the Inside

a sketch of a young woman looking up with birds flying overhead illustrates psychological freedom in Auschwitz

How did Edith Eger survive the Holocaust? How did she create a tolerable existence amid unthinkable horrors? According to Edith Eger, Auschwitz was a prison only for her body. Incredibly, she found ways to maintain psychological freedom while she faced cruelty, dehumanization, the loss of loved ones, and very little hope. Read more to discover how this remarkable woman persevered through one of history’s darkest chapters.

Edith Eva Eger’s The Choice: Embrace the Possible (Overview)

a drawing of a woman sitting by a window and reading a book

How does someone recover from an experience like the Holocaust? What inspiration can we draw from a life rebuilt? In her memoir, Dr. Edith Eva Eger provides a profoundly touching and insightful account of her life during the Holocaust. She talks about her time at Auschwitz and her efforts to reconstruct her existence after the war. Keep reading for an overview of Edith Eva Eger’s The Choice: Embrace the Possible.