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After Lewis and Clark

Mountain Men and the Paths to the Pacific

Robert M Utley author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Nebraska Press

Published:1st Nov '04

Should be back in stock very soon

After Lewis and Clark cover

The adventures of mountain men like Colter and Carson unfold in After Lewis and Clark, showcasing their exploration and impact on westward expansion.

In 1807, following the return of Lewis and Clark from the Pacific, a wave of trappers and hunters began their journey westward. They sought to exploit the abundant beaver populations and engage in trade with Native nations. After Lewis and Clark delves into the lives of these mountain men, featuring notable figures such as John Colter, George Drouillard, Hugh Glass, Andrew Henry, and Kit Carson. These individuals were not only adventurers but also pioneers who played a significant role in shaping the American frontier.

The mountain men were characterized by their colorful and eccentric personalities, embodying the spirit of adventure and individualism. In their quest for pelts, they discovered both personal freedom and financial opportunities. Their extensive knowledge of the terrain and its inhabitants proved invaluable, assisting early mapmakers, the military, and the growing number of emigrants heading west. After Lewis and Clark highlights how these mountain men navigated the challenges of the wilderness while forging connections with various cultures.

As these trappers and hunters ventured deeper into the uncharted territories, they inadvertently laid the groundwork for their own displacement. Their explorations contributed to the westward expansion that would ultimately reshape the nation, pushing American lands from coast to coast. This book captures the essence of their experiences, revealing the complexities of their lives and the impact they had on American history.

“The definitive study of the decisive role mountain men played in the exploration and expansion of the Western frontier. . . . Very readable and impressively detailed.”—New York Times Book Review
“[Utley’s] narrative of the trappers is entrancingly delivered. . . . A magnificent read.”—Booklist
“From a veteran historian of the West, a fine account of early American explorers. . . . A broad, vividly written work of historical reconstruction.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Reads like a well-spun novel.”—Wild West
“Robert Utley does a remarkable job in chronicling this unequaled segment of American history. He brings, with his easy-to-read style, the hazy images most of us have of obscure but nonetheless fearless heroes from our past into crystal clear focus.”—Southwest Book Views
“An authentic story that is anecdotal and very readable.”—Richard H. Dillon, True West Magazine
“Utley’s volume makes excellent reading. It is fast paced, entertaining, and very well researched. . . . Added to his already impressive list of books, After Lewis and Clark solidifies Utley’s reputation as one of the foremost scholars and entertaining writers on the West.” —Joe Knetsch, Journal of America’s Military Past

ISBN: 9780803295643

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 567g

426 pages