By Mike Moore
184 pages, softcover, 8-1/2" X 5-1/2": $17.95 plus shipping
If you enjoy spending many enjoyable hours combing through journals, narratives, and other period accounts of the Western fur trade era, I have a book for you. Heroes to Me by Mike Moore is a unique perspective of original accounts that is a favorite of mine for many reasons. First, the book provides a set of interesting categories of mountaineer life of interest to all buckskinners, such the “the look” of trappers, their camps, horses, life spans, notes on trapping and much more. There are also things seldom found in others’ books, like the lesser known, the tourists and celebrations.
Each of the chapters looks into the topic using numerous period sources. By using comparative sources by subject, each chapter illustrates the diversity of character, experiences and views that made up this colorful era. The bibliographic information on sources is worth the purchase alone, and it also includes a highly valuable recommended reading list.
An accomplished historical writer, Mike Moore hails from Colorado. I’ve known Mike for several years, as a friend and as a colleague in historical research and interpretation. His skill in research is superb, and he is a fine gentleman and first-rate mountaineer as well. His thoughtful style of writing lends itself perfectly to the structure of the book and guides you well through the words of the past.
Besides easy referencing of subject, one of the nice benefits of the format used in the book is how easily it rests on a nightstand. By this, I mean how one can pick it up, open it to any page at a whim and be guaranteed a fascinating read. For the old hand and the greenhorn alike, I heartily recommend Heroes to Me. It is perfect for the fur trade devotee on your holiday list.
Heroes to Me is available from Historical Enterprises, 113 Nancy Drive, Macon GA 31217; phone (478) 734-9669.
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