WAGONS WEST. THE EPIC STORY OF AMERICA'S OVERLAND TRAILS

New York: Grove Press, [2002]., 2002. First edition. First U. S. edition. 8vo. Published earlier the same year in London. Two-tone paper over boards, titles stamped in gilt on the spine, black front and rear endpapers, [18], 509 pp., preface, introduction, illustrated, maps, epilogue, bibliography, notes, index. A history of the settling of the West from 1840 to 1849, the years between the era of the fur trappers and the beginning of the gold rush. Details the history of famous trails and overland journeys to the Pacific. Stories include the ill-fated Donner Party, the Whitmans on their way to Oregon, mountain man Jim Bridger, the historian Francis Parkman and the Mormons. In addition, Mclynn captures characters and situations, known and unknown, from almost every wagon train that crossed the continent in seven or so pivotal years (1841–1847). As new, unread copy in dust jacket.