Adventures in history are often lost in the up-heavals of new media. But Kon Tiki Interactive, a CD-ROM by Gyldendal and the Kon Tiki Museum of Oslo, Norway, not only makes the cut but tells explorer Thor Heyerdahl's story like it's never been told before.
Around 1937, Heyerdahl postulated that ancient people migrated from Peru to Polynesia by drifting on currents in the ocean that acted like salt water rivers. To prove his theory, he built a balsa raft and set sail. One hundred and one days later, he and his small crew hit the reefs of Polynesia, recording film footage of the trip.
Kon Tiki Interactive encapsulates Heyerdahl's entire life work. It includes miles of 16mm footage, photos, books, and interviews with Heyerdahl himself, who is still an active scientist.
The CD is divided into Heyerdahl's various expeditions and the interface is uncluttered and pleasant to the eye.
Old Thor did some real-life superhero stuff. Now we can meet the man and voyage with him, minus the sharks.
Kon Tiki Interactive: US$39.95. The Voyager Co.: +1 (212) 431 5199, on the Web at www.voyagerco.com.
STREET CRED
Striking a NerveThe End of Science
Let Your Fingers Do the Web Walking
Salt-Water Rivers
