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Summary: Diamonds and Minerals, look and you will find.
Review: Great story of the quest for diamonds. Just goes to show you, that if you are allowed to look you can find anything society wants.A great story about a driven geologist that does not take no for an answer. Prospecting is alive and well, if the greenies do not lock it all up!
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Summary: Best book I have read in along time.
Review: I am a graduate mining geologest and have worked within the mining industry many years. I found this book so packed full of interesting history of the diamond industry, the exploration and development of diamond mines. Kevin Krajick has a real knack for telling a story and keeping the reader intersested and excited. Once you start this book you will not wont to put it down. It is a must read for all.
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Summary: A second opinion
Review: I am less than 100 pages into this book, and would not have written a review had I not seen comments from another reviewer that totally contradicted my own experience. I confess to knowing nothing about gems or the search for them. I am, however, a little bit of a travel and adventure junkie, and have experienced my share of both. Right now, I feel like I'm at the beginning of an exciting trip to the Barren Lands. I'll write a more complete review when I get back. Jeff Lang
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Summary: Barren Lands by Kevin Krajick
Review: I have recently purchased and read the book, Barren Lands, by Kevin Krajick, and have enjoyed it immensely. Its a great tale of exploration history, geology and obsession all woven into a thrilling page turner. It starts with the travels of Jacques Cartier in the mid 1500's, and carries the reader to the present day, all the while weaving in the wild but true stories of bribery, fraud and espionage that from day one, have been associated with the search for diamonds. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller, the great outdoors, and history. Its a finely crafted investigation of America's grand obsession with diamonds.
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Summary: Should be considered fiction!
Review: In many ways this book is a fraud. The writer has recklessly exaggerated the history and the science of diamonds in such a manner that it would hardly be acceptable in fiction, but this is presented as a true tale. It is so loaded with distortions and errors, ever poor writing, that I find it amazing that the dust cover carries praise from what would, on first blush, appear to be reliable reviewers. On second blush, I am not so sure. I am still plowing through this awful thing, but am flagging questionable passages on just about every other page. That is, only the things that I know are incorrect or shamelessly distorted. It is quite clear that Times Books/Henry Holt/ WH Freeman never vetted the text of this book before publishing it. I was the former curator of the mineral and gem collection at the Smithsonian before retiring in 1991 so I know a little about the subject. ...
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Summary: Truth Surpasses Fiction
Review: In my work as a lapidarist (rock and gemstone cutter), I have heard many anecdotes and personal accounts regarding discovery of commercially viable gemstone deposits. Some of the tales have been backed up by fact, (certainly a minority), and many many more were either embellishments, or entirely untrue. The astonishing aspect of the Barren Lands is: The tale is all true. And the wealth generated by the discoveries is so enormous that it will be many years before the full magnitude is known. Mr Krajick has written a gripping account of the quest for mineral wealth with the attendant hardships, oddball personalities, and personal trials that make prospecting a dubious career choice for most of us. It is the kind of tale I have dreamt about since I was a small boy. (and I'm still dreaming) Read the book and be carried away!
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Summary: A Wonderful Book - Thoroughly Researched
Review: Kevin Krajick provides readers with an astounding review of the historical activities that led to the discovery of North America's first major diamond mine. I was amazed at the depth of his research - he knew of historical facts that I thought only myself and one or two others were aware of. It is a pleasing historical novel that will keep you up late reading every night. I have one word to describe this book - 'excellent'!
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Summary: Great Read! Finally Someone has done justice to the subject
Review: Mr. Krajick has brought to life one of the most amazing geological finds of this century.
Large, untapped diamond deposits in Arctic Canada. Deposits, some say, that rival the DeBeers mines in South Africa.
Barren Lands follows the footsteps of the modern day prospector, legends like Fipke and Walter Nassichuk.
The intrigue that surrounds one of the least known sectors of the geological world prove that the prospector of today must also inventory cunning and sharp wit amongst the tools of his trade.
It is not enough to find a treasure, but how to hold onto your claim.
An exciting and enjoyable reading experience, a book to savor in the evening.
I too am not a neophyte to geology nor the diamond industry.
I have studied Geology(structural geology)under some the greatest minds in the field and have had close associations with diamond dealers in NY city during my early career as a jeweler.
I thank my wife for purchasing this book as an early Birthday present.
And remember... Nothing like a trim girdle and flawless table.
(little diamond humor)
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Summary: Revised review
Review: On October 17,2001, I submitted a harsh and critical review of Barren Lands, by Kevin Krajick, which is still being presented by Amazon.com. After discussions with the author and others, I regret the too negative tone of my review and now wish to modify my comments to reflect my much more favorable opinion of the work and its intregrity. I hope that visitors to this web site will discount my earlier comments. Sincerely, John S. White
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Summary: Revised review
Review: On October 17,2001, I submitted a harsh and critical review of Barren Lands, by Kevin Krajick, which is still being presented by Amazon.com. After discussions with the author and others, I regret the too negative tone of my review and now wish to modify my comments to reflect my much more favorable opinion of the work and its intregrity. I hope that visitors to this web site will discount my earlier comments. Sincerely, John S. White
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