While we were at it I wondered if people could list some of their favorite western novels. Since I don't have a ton of experience with them I'd like to know some of the cornerstone books, the must-reads for would-be old west aficionados. The embarrassingly small selection of my favorites are these:
Early-frontier type novels
1. The Deerslayer (JF Cooper)
2. The Last of the Mohicans (JF Cooper)
3. Mountain Man (Vardis Fisher)
4. Follow the River (JA Thom)
Western Cowboy type novels (completely Jonas books)
1. Death of an Eagle
2. The Dansing Star
3. The Devil's Blood
I'm sure Kirby will have a book list as longer than his movie list :)
Not counting Lirby's books, I like
The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing by Marilyn Durham (also a good movie)
The Sackett's series by Louis L'Amour - he has a lot of good Westerns
People of the Earth series by Michael W Gear (early Native Americans)
North & South by John Jakes
Favorite Books …. Information for Kirby Jonas Message Board. 05/03/08
Well other than the April 1967 Playboy?
One of the first full sized books that I read other than Mother Goose and Dick and Jane, was a book in my mothers library about the same size as the ones Kirby has printed. The White Indian Boy by "Uncle Nick Wilson". The town of Wilson, Wyoming in Jackson Hole is named for him. He ran away from herding sheep on the family farm and was adopted into the Shoshone Indian Tribe by Chief Washakie's Mother. All over a pinto pony. There was a TV Movie made along the same lines a few years ago.
Nicholas Wilson barrowed a typewriter and spent several years putting his life story on paper. And since he didn’t want to brag, some of the story was not put on paper at that time. However there is a newer edition with additions by another Wilson family member.
Uncle Nick lived with the Shoshone for several years before he went back to his white family. He became a pony express rider and I saw his name listed in a pony express ledger at a museum in Nebraska once. There are several interesting insights into pioneer living and how things were during the way West.
And speaking of Indians….. An interesting story is ISHI last of his Tribe.
Alexander Thom has written several very interesting books about early day real life men and women. And if you’re a history buff and don’t mind reading books that don’t necessarily have a main character and a story to keep it going. Check out the TIME LIFE Series. Lots of information in them. And another one that I found very informative is:::::
"The Pictorial History of the Wild West". Hundreds of pictures with information about why and how the stuff in the pictures was used. Don’t let the title fool you… In this case the Wild West started at the Atlantic Ocean.
· And if the Pioneers are your cup of tea…….. Check this
· Oregon-California Trails Association Online Store
Welcome to the Bookstore of the Oregon-California Trails Association! Our bookstore is the best one-stop source for unique books, maps, videos, gifts and other materials related to ...
And if you want to be part of history come join the wagon train… See OCTA Wagon Train..
Some newer stories written by Ivan Doig about growing up in Montana.
And Several others……
As some of you may have already found out …… I have been told that three of the first things that happens to a person as they start getting some age are:
1….. Loss of memory.
2 ….
3 …..
Damn I hate it when that happens……..
I read a book a couple of months ago that I thought was very good but I traded it to one of my sisters (can’t remember which one) and I can’t remember the title ….
And of course I better mention that Kirby Jonas fellow…….. I like all of his books…….
Mostly because he has researched the location where the story takes place. If a person has been to these locations, Kirby’s descriptions and place names of landmarks can almost be used instead of a map.
If you are like me, even reading a FICTIONAL BOOK is enjoyable if the author doesn’t bend the truth to far. But then I nearly always tell the truth myself……… MULE
This link is to a news letter for the IDAHO CHAPTER of the Oregon California Trails association. There are quite often articles about local Idaho history and some of the projects being done to preserve the remaining portions of trail in Idaho.
Though not exactly a book, but by reading through from oldest to newest a person can find continueing information.
There are many well known names of Mountain men and pioneers. But one that is often overlooked is Tim Goodale. He was a good friend of Kit Carsons. Much of his story and family history is revealed in these news letters.
Check um out and if so inclined join the Oregon California Trails Association. Just be sure to let them know I sent ya!
http://www.idahoocta.org/Trail_Dust_Index.html
Or in your search engine...OCTA WAGON TRAIN
Come join me somewhere on the Jeffery Goodale Cutoff, leaving Montpelier July 9 and 456 miles and nine Idaho Counties later, be in Nampa for the OCTA Convention August 4 - 9
Wagon rides available or bring your own horse or wagon........
Thanks DELL
Hey I started thinking about this subject of favorite books. ( That was Scary) And went back and found this entry on archive page 23 .......... Just for giggles and grins thumb back a ways....... MULE
Your Favorite Kirby Jonas Book
February 11 2003 at 1:07 AM Garry (no login)
I know we've discussed this before but I'm old and can't remember. Which of Kirby's books is your favorite?
Mine is Death Of An Eagle. I've read it twice so far and I liked it even better the second time. Oh wow it's 3:13 am I've got to get out of here and go to work. We're working 12 hours days so I've been pretty busy lately.