Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Lost City of the Monkey God summary
Douglas Preston
Brief summary
The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston is a captivating non-fiction book that chronicles the author's journey to uncover an ancient civilization in the remote and dangerous jungles of Honduras.
Table of Contents
The Lost City of the Monkey God
Summary of key ideas
The Quest for the Lost City
In The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston, we embark on a thrilling journey to uncover a lost civilization. The narrative begins with the author joining a team of scientists and filmmakers on an expedition to the remote and unexplored region of La Mosquitia in Honduras. Their mission is to use advanced technology to search for the legendary White City, also known as the City of the Monkey God, a fabled ancient metropolis.
As the team battles through dense jungles, dangerous wildlife, and harsh weather, they face numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, their perseverance pays off when they discover extensive evidence of a previously unknown civilization. The team uses LiDAR technology to map the terrain and reveal the presence of man-made structures hidden beneath the thick canopy, confirming the existence of the lost city.
The Curse of the Monkey God
However, their triumph is short-lived as they soon encounter a new and unexpected threat. The team begins to fall ill with a mysterious and potentially deadly disease, later identified as leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection transmitted by sand flies. This leads to the chilling realization that the legend of the Monkey God's curse, which promised death to those who dared enter the city, might have a scientific basis.
Despite the danger, the team continues their exploration, carefully documenting the artifacts and structures they find. They uncover a network of plazas, pyramids, and other architectural remains, providing valuable insights into the culture and lifestyle of the ancient civilization. The discovery is a significant archaeological breakthrough, shedding light on a previously unknown chapter of Mesoamerican history.
Uncovering the Past
As the expedition progresses, the team faces increasing pressure from looters and drug traffickers who seek to exploit the newly discovered site. The Honduran government, recognizing the importance of protecting the area, declares it a national monument and establishes a military presence to safeguard it. Despite these efforts, the threat of looting remains a constant concern.
Back in the United States, the artifacts and samples collected from the site undergo extensive analysis. The findings reveal that the lost city was part of a sophisticated civilization that thrived in the region around 1000 AD. The city's sudden abandonment, possibly due to environmental factors or conflict, remains a subject of ongoing research and speculation.
Reflections and Conclusions
In the final sections of The Lost City of the Monkey God, Preston reflects on the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding the exploration of such remote and fragile sites. He acknowledges the delicate balance between scientific curiosity and the need to preserve these areas for future generations. The book ends with a sense of awe and wonder at the resilience and ingenuity of the ancient people who once inhabited the lost city.
In conclusion, The Lost City of the Monkey God is a captivating blend of adventure, history, and science. It takes us on a gripping expedition into the heart of the Honduran jungle, where the discovery of a lost civilization raises as many questions as it answers. The book serves as a reminder of the enduring mysteries hidden within our planet's most remote and inaccessible corners.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Lost City of the Monkey God about?
The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston is a captivating non-fiction book that delves into the real-life expedition to uncover an ancient civilization in the dense jungles of Honduras. Filled with adventure, history, and scientific discovery, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey as the author and a team of explorers face numerous challenges in their quest to reveal the secrets of the legendary lost city.
The Lost City of the Monkey God Review
The Lost City of the Monkey God (2017) follows the thrilling journey of an archaeological exploration deep into the Honduran jungle in search of a lost civilization. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and science, providing a riveting account of the expedition and the mysteries surrounding the ancient ruins.
- Through its vivid descriptions and first-hand experiences, the book manages to immerse readers into the challenging and dangerous world of jungle exploration.
- The book reveals the importance of preserving our fragile natural treasures and the impact that human activities can have on our planet's history and future.
Who should read The Lost City of the Monkey God?
- Enthusiastic readers who enjoy non-fiction adventure stories
- Anyone interested in archaeology, ancient civilizations, and remote exploration
- People who appreciate vivid descriptions of exotic locations and the natural world
Categories with The Lost City of the Monkey God
Book summaries like The Lost City of the Monkey God
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Lost City of the Monkey God FAQs
What is the main message of The Lost City of the Monkey God?
The main message of The Lost City of the Monkey God is the exploration of an ancient civilization hidden deep in the remote jungle.
How long does it take to read The Lost City of the Monkey God?
The reading time for The Lost City of the Monkey God varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Lost City of the Monkey God a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Lost City of the Monkey God is an intriguing read that unravels the mysteries of a lost civilization. It offers a fascinating exploration of history and adventure.
Who is the author of The Lost City of the Monkey God?
The author of The Lost City of the Monkey God is Douglas Preston.
What to read after The Lost City of the Monkey God?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Lost City of the Monkey God, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh