Overview
In 1982, the visionary directory Werner Herzog released Fitzcarraldo, a lavish film about a would-be rubber baron who pulls a 320-ton steamship over a mountain. It was hailed instantly by critics around the globe as a masterpiece and won Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, affirming Herzog’s reputation as one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of his time.
Conquest of the Useless is the diary Herzog kept during the making of Fitzcarraldo, compiled from June 1979 to November 1981. Emerging as if out of an Amazonian fever dream during filming, Herzog’s writings are an extraordinary documentary unto themselves. Strange and otherworldly events are recounted by the filmmaker. The crew's camp in the heart of the jungle is attacked and burned to the ground; the production of the film clashes with a border war; and, of course, Herzog unravels the impossible logistics of moving a 320-ton steamship over a hill without the use of special effects.
In his preface, Herzog warns that the diary entries collected in Conquest of the Useless do not represent “reports on the actual filming” but rather “inner landscapes, born of the delirium of the jungle.” Thus begins an extraordinary glimpse into the mind of a genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements.
This book title, Conquest of the Useless (Fever Dreams in the Jungle), ISBN: 9780593832134, by Werner Herzog, Krishna Winston, published by Penguin Publishing Group (May 28, 2024) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Conquest of the Useless (Fever Dreams in the Jungle) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Conquest of the Useless (Fever Dreams in the Jungle) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!