Publisher Description
This is the classic account of Francis Parkman’s rugged trip over the eastern part of the Oregon Trail with his cousin Quincy Adams Shaw in the spring and summer of 1846. They left St. Louis by steamboat and traveled on horseback, in company with guides and occasionally other travelers. They encountered storms and buffalo hunts, meeting Indians, soldiers, sportsmen, and emigrants.Â
The Oregon Trail is an eyewitness account of the Mormons and outlaws, trappers and Indians, pioneers and adventurers who struggled to conquer the frontier.
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“This was my “bathroom break book,” and as it was ~300 pages of smallish type, it seemed to take forever to read through. It was repetitive at points, although he was journaling a 1700 mile trek, much of which involved prarie, buffalo, and indians. It seemed as though every chapter included a buffalo hunt, which involved the beast being shot behind the shoulder, at which point “bloody foam flew from his jaws and his great tongue lolled about.” That certainly didn’t detract from the enjoyment of reading the book, as I really felt that the author made excellent use of the english language, painting some wonderful visuals, and making me somewhat wish for praries and buffalo here in suburbia. Life was so much different then, I think to both our benefit and detriment. Modern conveniences, technology, medicine are all wonderful, but there’s something to be said for those who slept under trees in a rainstorm, hunted/gathered their own food (and I would think appreciated it more), used buffalo skin for robes/shelter/transport of goods/etc…I’d last about a day or two, and then I’d be done in, I’m afraid (probably due to lack of air conditioning and a pillowtop matress). It was a beneficial read just from the standpoint of being introduced to terms and concepts that are foreign to the modern reader, but was well worth it from several other standpoints. This is one of the books I’ll either be keeping in hopes my 4-year-old will read it when she gets more mature, or else giving it away and ordering a better (hardcover) copy.”
—
Justin (4 out of 5 stars)
