Wounded Tigris: A River Journey through the Cradle of Civilisation

The river Tigris is in danger of becoming uninhabitable due to geopolitics and climate change, so adventurer Leon McCarron traveled by boat along its full length in 2021 in search of hope. He journeyed through the Turkish mountains, north-east Syria, and into Iraq, keeping the company of fishermen, farmers, artists, activists, and archaeologists. McCarron rode his luck in areas still troubled by ISIS and relied on the generosity of a network of strangers to reach the Persian Gulf.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL WRITING AWARDS 2024


As epic as it is engaging, Tom Holland's Immensely readable true travel writing takes readers on a captivating journey through the world. Robin Hanbury-Tenison's A fine book delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating different cultures.


Leon McCarron's tough journey paints a rich and enthralling portrait of the river Tigris, its history, and its current peril. The river, which has been the lifeblood of ancient Mesopotamia and modern Iraq, is now at risk of becoming uninhabitable due to geopolitics and climate change. In 2021, adventurer Leon McCarron embarked on a remarkable journey by boat along the full length of the river, in search of hope.


From the source, where Assyrian kings had their images carved into stone, McCarron and his small team journeyed through the Turkish mountains, across north-east Syria, and into the heart of Iraq. Along the way, they encountered a diverse range of people, including fishermen, farmers, artists, activists, and archaeologists who rely on the flow of the river for their livelihoods. McCarron's journey was not without its challenges, as he was occasionally harassed by militias and often helped by soldiers. He also relied on the generosity of a network of strangers to reach the Persian Gulf, where he encountered a different set of challenges.


Wounded Tigris is a powerful story that explores what humanity stands to lose with the death of a great river and what can be done to save it. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations. Through his journey, McCarron raises important questions about the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for collective action to address these issues.


This book is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, adventure, and the natural world. It is a reminder that the world is full of wonder and beauty, but also that it is fragile and in danger. We must cherish and protect the rivers, mountains, and cultures that have shaped our history and our future.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 337 x 163 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472156235