The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

On February 4, 1900, nearly a year before his marriage to Nina, Fawcett arrives at the RGS in London. He meets Edward Ayearst Reeves, who introduces Fawcett to the RGS program. Fawcett demonstrates exceptional skill in the use of navigational tools, such as theodolites and sextants. Through RGS seminars and instructional manuals, Fawcett learns to map, observe, and catalog. He also learns how to organize an expedition, how to lead it, and what to do when things go wrong. After a year of intense immersion in the history and methods of British exploration, Fawcett passes his final examination.

In this four-page chapter, back in the early 21st century, Grann purchases supplies for his journey at a Manhattan store for outdoor enthusiasts. A friendly attendant helps Grann find everything he needs and engages him in a conversation about the Amazon’s most notorious dangers, including the flesh-eating piranha and blood-sucking candiru. Back home, Grann tucks his son into bed and examines a copy of a letter that contains a reference to Fawcett’s first RGS mission.

In 1901, Fawcett enters Morocco as a spy for the British government. He completes his mission in 1902 and then passes four years in comparative idleness.