Portrait of the Panama Canal: From Construction to the Twenty-First Century

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Summary: Perhaps the best book on the Canal I have ever read.
Review: An accurate account of current operations along with an historically correct and dramatic story of the effort that went into the creation of the Panama Canal which was the "moon shot" of its day. The book contains dozens of colorful pictures showing the Isthmus of Panama, the Canal Zone and the Canal. It features impressive photos of Gailliard Cut, the locks and the many Indian tribes who live in Panama

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Summary: Exciting easy to read story of Panama Canal construction
Review: Dramatic photos of the Panama Canal with concise text featuring the history of the creation of the Panama Canal which reads like an adventure story BR One of the few books that I have seen that also provides information on the Canal Zone along with some photos of tourist attractionsBR I recommend this book highly for those who want to learn more about this vital international waterway as it is more and more in the news due to the fact that it will be transferred to Panama in l999

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Summary: Excellent guide to the Panama Canal
Review: I have read and recommend this completely up-to-date book on the Panama Canal, particularly to anyone planning to take a cruise through the Canal or fly to Panama for a close-up look. This book, written by an author who grew up in Panama, covers the history and operations and provides real insight into the country of Panama. It is illustrated with dramatic color photographs showing all facets of the operation of the Canal. It is written in a very readable style. You won't be able to put it down until you have finished it.

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Summary: Leisure reading while cruising the Panama Canal
Review: I purchased this book while on the maiden voyage of the Norwegian Star from Miami to Los Angeles while transiting thru the Panama Canal. It was a historic trip as the ship was the largest tonnage vessel to transit the canal. The vessel was nearly as long as the locs could hold and the width was at its maximum as well. I understand the vessel paid the highest recorded fee of $214,000. To read the book and learn about the incredible construction of the canal both in the early 1900's and still today as we were actually transiting the canal was exciting. The book added to the most Awesome trip. The book was a fasinating read and very informative, making my trip truly a once in a lifetime adventure. I would highly recommend this book to others.

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Summary: A Fasinating read while transiting the Canal
Review: I purchased this book while transiting the Canal on the maiden voyage of the Norwegian Star . This was a historic trip, as the ship was the largest tonnage vessel to transit the canal. It also paid the largest fee of $214,000. The ship was designed to exacting specifications and barely cleared by width and length. To read the book regarding the canals history while transiting at the same time was exciting! The book's read is light and most informative. It added a great deal for me to what was already a "Trip of a Lifetime". I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age. Truly Awesome!!!

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Summary: Highly recommended for cruise passengers
Review: I read this book prior to transiting the Canal. It covers history and operations in precise detail and the numerous dramatic photos make it a wonderful souvenir of the Canal. There are other books that are very long and heavy to take with you.This book has all the information in easily readable style for those who don't have time for a thick book on this subject. Reads like an adventure story.

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Summary: An excellent short and concise history of the Panama Canal.
Review: Not only does Friar present a wonderful historical synopsis of the Canal, he also paints a verbal picture of life as a child growing up in the Canal Zone. The photographs of the Canal are some of the best I have seen. The captions are not "one-liners," they actually describe the what the reader is seeing in the photograph. The reader should come away with a very good knowledge of Panama Canal history and an understanding of how the Canal operates all within the 2 to 3 hours it takes to read the book.

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Summary: Perfect combo of writing and art
Review: The first thing you'll notice about this book is the beautiful photos, marking the canal's history and beauty. The second thing you'll notice is this is no ordinary coffee table book. The writing is substantive, informative and engaging. It makes a great gift for someone who's going to Panama or has been there.