When the author was born in Tierra del Fuego in 1874, it was truly an unknown land. On the southern coast was the small settlement established by his missionary parents; the rest of it, over 18,000 square miles of mountain, forest, marsh, and lake, was the hunting ground of fierce and hostile tribes. Bridges grew up amongst the coastal Yaghans, learning their language and their ways. In young manhood he made contact with the wild inland Ona tribe, became their friend and hunting companion, and was initiated into the men's lodge.

Surely the New York Times' critics's prediction for this book on its first publication has come true: "I have no doubt that Uttermost Part of the Earth will achieve a permanent place in the literature of several subjects: adventure, anthropology, and frontier history." Indeed it is still the essential work and indispensable introduction for anyone yearning to experience the breathtaking remoteness and stunning landscapes of this far-flung wilderness at the "uttermost part of the earth."

Customer Reviews Average rating - 5.0

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-27
Content: UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH is one of those books that will endure forever. It recreates a time and place in vivid detail and is written in polished prose (by someone who was home schooled). Bridges' devotion to this place of his birth and his compassion for its original inhabitants seep through on every page. If only we could all learn from his and his family's approach to dealing with those whose cultures and traditions are different from ours, our world be a much more humane and safer place. Considering this book was first published in 1948, it is a staggering accomplishment. The additions to the 2008 edition help bring it up to date, but even without those, it stands as a masterpiece in human creativity.
Summary: One of a handful

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-12-01
Content: After visiting Ushuia in early 2008, I became interested in the indigenous population of this region. Bridges provides a first hand account of early European contact with the various tribes and the disasterous effects on the native population. A very interesting read.
Summary: Facinating story

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-08
Content:
This a a most excellent book that can be compared to nothing else. When I read Lucas Bridges's story about his early life in Tierra Fuego he gave me a part of history that I otherwise couldn't have made my own. I was especially touched by the way he introduced me to the Indians of Tierra Fuego. He knew many of them as individuals and thus could make me acquainted with them as well. Since then I have had the priviledge to visit Tierra Fuego and also to meet some of the aboriginees of the land.

So - anybody who is the least interested in Tierra Fuego should make sure to get hold of the Uttermost Part of the World.

Birgitta Tingdal

Summary: The Uttermost Part of the World - Lucas Bridges

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-05-05
Content: Es quizá el libro más inspirador que se haya escrito sobre Tierra del Fuego, su historia, sus habitantes originarios, el encuentro de dos culturas. Entrega una lección para las futuras generaciones sobre cómo enfrentar nuestra presencia actual en la zona, de manera de proyectar un futuro cooperativo, sustentable y positivo no sólo para Tierra del Fuego, sino para gran parte de este planeta.
Summary: El último confin del mundo, el incio de una nueva era

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-03-31
Content: This book is about the colonization of Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world. Although every account is 100% non-fiction, reading it was a magical journey between the real and surreal. One moment you're taken on an exploratory expedition, and the next you're learning the mysterious and mythical ways of the native Ona indians and the author's fantastic ability to befriend them, penetrate their culture and become a real life "Running with Wolves" character. A must read for anyone thinking about visiting Ushuaia.
Summary: AMAZING TRUE STORY