In "The Path Between the Seas," David McCullough unfolds the dramatic and intricate saga of the creation of the Panama Canal, a monumental endeavor that would link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through one of the most treacherous landscapes on Earth. With his characteristic meticulous research and narrative brilliance, McCullough brings to life the visionary engineers, the tireless workers, and the political machinations that converged to forge this engineering marvel in the heart of the jungle. From the initial French failure under Ferdinand de Lesseps to the eventual American triumph led by Theodore Roosevelt, this is a tale of human ambition, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of a dream amidst the backdrop of a burgeoning global economy and the shifting sands of international politics. Through the eyes of those who lived it, McCullough captures the Herculean efforts required to construct the 51-mile long canal, a project that would claim thousands of lives, challenge the limits of contemporary technology, and forever alter the geopolitical landscape. The narrative not only chronicles the physical obstacles overcome—ranging from devastating diseases to the formidable Panamanian terrain—but also delves into the ethical and moral considerations faced by those in power. "The Path Between the Seas" is more than just a history of a canal; it is a riveting exploration of human perseverance, the complexities of global diplomacy, and the indomitable spirit of ambition that defines the American century.