| The Panama Hat Trail | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 4 reviews)
Sales Rank: 408392
Category: Book
Authors: Tom Miller, Tony Hillerman
Publisher: National Geographic
Studio: National Geographic
Manufacturer: National Geographic
Label: National Geographic
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.6
ISBN: 0792263863
Dewey Decimal Number: 382.4568741
EAN: 9780792263869
ASIN: 0792263863
Publication Date: November 1, 2001
Release Date: November 1, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Book Description
This 15th anniversary reissue of Miller's travel classic follows the making and marketing of a single Panama hat. It's a captivating story of cultures in collision, raw capitalism, and an exotic, humorous journey.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Great Reading for Lovers of Hats or Travel or Both December 12, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
My lifelong interest in travel literature began when, as a child, I read Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas's account of his travels among the Kurdish People of the Middle East. Miller's book is a good read on traveling in Ecuador (where the best panama hats are made), written by a professional writer in this genre (ON THE BORDER, TRADING WITH THE ENEMY: TRAVELS THROUGH CASTRO'S CUBA). This "hat classic" (my opinion), is Miller's first-hand account as he follows the making of Panama hats from the growing and harvesting of the plant material (cardoluvica palmata), through the process of its curing and preparation for weaving, the weaving itself, the various markets along the way, the chain of distribution of the hat bodies, their exportation around the world, the making of finished hats in a North American hat factory, and the sale to a San Diego retail hat store. The story ends when the final customer buys a panama hat in the retail store. Reading this book cannot help but seal one's appreciation for this materiel de resistance of the straw hat business.
 Great Book ! September 8, 2005
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Being an Ecuadorian I really enjoyed the way the author captured the personality and idiosyncrasies of the people he meets along his journey. His descriptions of the countryside and life in Ecuador are very accurate.
very pleasant journey August 19, 2003
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Tom Miller is an excellent traveling companion, informative, friendly, sympathetic to his hosts.
conveys with empathy South America through "Gringo" eyes January 22, 1999
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
This book draws a wonderful and accurate picture of South America, in particular Ecuador, as seen through the eyes of a Westerner. Especially for anyone who has back-packed in these areas in the seventies and eighties, the country comes alive and one finds oneself transported back there through the author's straightforward style, gentle humour and empathy with the people and landscape. The story of the making of Panama hats, from growing the straw through to retailing the product in quality outlets throughout the States is fascinating. The life styles, understanding and expectations of the various people in the chain are portrayed in a way that captures the imagination and surrounds the reader with their reality. At the same time, one's awareness is drawn in a gentle manner and without accusation, to the situation of the "plebs" of third world countries, exploited by and dependent on the West. A satisfying book to read, very interesting and an enjoyable way to learn some of the history of the area.
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