Foreword by Richard Dillon. Between 1842 and 1853; John C. Fremont led five expeditions across the trans-Mississippi West. While the success of his early journeys gained him acclaim as a national hero; his later missions ended in tragedy and ultimately a court-martial. Historian Ferol Egan focuses on Fremont's explorations; providing a vivid portrait of a courageous man in an emerging young nation.
#521043 in Books Grace Lee Nute 1987-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 1.00 x 5.50l; .90 #File Name: 0873512138301 pagesThe Voyageur
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Introductory yet ComprehensiveBy Stephen T.The canoemen of the North are still in their prime thanks to legendary borderland author Grace Lee Nute. Published in 1951; The Voyageur is written as a survey piece into the history and spirit of the voyageurs - or French Canadian canoemen. These adventurous canoemen traversed the rivers and lakes of the U.S.-Canadian borderlands in the 1600s; 1700s; and early 1800s; these rugged individuals are akin to the Mountain Men or Cowboys of the American West. In addition; these northern canoemen are romantic figures given to tall-tales; legends; and real-life history. Ms. Nute is careful to keep the writing introductory in nature; but not simplistic. Gateway; or entry-level readers; feel welcomed and not overwhelmed by academic jargon. As a result; Ms. Nute crafts a comprehensive linguistic; ecological; cultural; social; and ultimately historical documentation. Easy reading aside; The Voyageur is indeed comprehensive as it gives a general portrait of every aspect of voyageur life. Ms. Nute is very good at demonstrating the difference between voyageurs and couers d' bois and is skilled at documenting the voyageurs social life and subsequent interactions with Native Americans; merchants; and other voyageurs. For the non-French speaker; there may be occasional frustrations in the chapters concerning voyageur's songs and poetry as feelings and emotions may get lost in translation. Also; these chapters appear in the middle of the book and tend to break-up the historical documentation and narrative; perhaps; these chapters would be more suitable towards the book's end. Nevertheless; the Voyageur is a terrific introductory history into the rugged canoemen of the North.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I will recommend it to my grandsons when they are old enough ...By SolvravnenThis book provides the history we were never taught in school. It fills many voids in our understanding of how the North American continent was explored and subsequently settled. I will recommend it to my grandsons when they are old enough to study American history and need supplimental reading to better understand timelines of exploration and discovery that are also linked to international relations issues between Great Britain; France; Canada and the United States. I enjoyed the book and found interesting parts that included the Voyageur's songs. While I do not read French; portions are translated into English. These segements provide an interesting insight into these amazing men's character.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. VoyageurBy Christopher La LondeA great history of voyageurs and superb source citations. Many little known facts are presented to the reader.
