In company with Alfred Russell Wallace, the author, in 1848, began an exploration of the Amazon region for the collection of objects of natural history. This volume records the adventures of an eleven-years' sojourn, during which specimens of nearly fifteen thousand species were obtained; and includes the descriptions of habits of animals, sketches of Brazilian and Indian life, and various aspects of nature under the equator.

"Mr. Bates was widely known as the discoverer of the principle of mimicry in the animal world...He had not the advantage of an early education, but by the unaided force of his ability, and his natural goodness of heart, made himself almost indispensable to the Geographical Society. Of his well-known book, 'The Naturalist on the River Amazons,' Darwin said that it was 'the best work of natural history travels ever published in England.'" -The Education Outlook

"An original book - a book of great value, and one which adds another to the many claims of the modern man of science to share the palm of martyrdom with the old religious martyrs. In July, 1959, 'after eleven years' residence within four degrees of the equator, the last three of which were spent in the wild country 1,400 miles from the sea coast,' Mr. Bates returned to England with shattered health, so shattered that he despaired of ever publishing his travels. As it is, we owe their publication to the friendly encouragement of Mr. Darwin, and to the high opinion he expressed of the results of Mr. Bates' journey....In tone and style Mr. Bates is perfectly good-natured, straightforward, and unpretending. The absence of all striking generalizations, and of any special assumption of poetical feeling, rather adds to the simple charm of his account. It is the view of a devoted and discriminating man, starting on his expedition with the knowledge of a well read naturalist, and the keen observation of an Englishman, but whose vision is, if unaided, unobscured by his fancy, and let us say undisturbed by any higher or more delicate flights....Mr. Bates confirms Mr. Darwin's theory of natural selection by several pointed instances: but, on the whole, his book belongs rather to the class of first-rate diaries - a fascinating collection of materials for future edification. But very fascinating it is, nor could we point to any page which is not full of lively interest. Mr. Bates belongs to the small class of men who deserve the earnest gratitude, not only of their own country, but of the civilized world." -The Spectator

"This most famous work is a natural history classic." -London Literary World

"Darwin unhesitatingly pronounced the best book on natural history which ever appeared in England. The work still retains its prime interest, and in rereading it one can not but be impressed by the way in which the prophetic theories, disputed and ridiculed at the time, have since been accepted. Such is the common experience of those who keep a few paces in advance of their generation. Bates was a 'born' naturalist." -Philadelphia Ledger

"No man was better prepared or gave himself up more thoroughly to the task of studying an almost unknown fauna, or showed a zeal more indefatigable in prosecuting his researches, than Bates. As a collector alone, his reputation would be second to none, but there is a great deal more than sheer industry to be cited. The naturalist of the Amazons is, par excellence, possessed of a happy literary style. His is always clear and distinct. He tells of the wonders of tropical growth so that you can understand them all." -The New York Times