In 1873, a middle-aged Englishwoman toured the Colorado Rockies on horseback — alone, for the most part. Painting an intimate portrait of the "Wild West," Bird wrote eloquently of flora and fauna, isolated settlers and assorted refugees from civilization, vigilance committees, lynchings, and the manners among the men she encountered in the wilderness. Unabridged republication of the seventh edition, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1882 (first edition: 1879).
The Oregon Trail by Francis Parkman Keen observations and a graphic style characterize the author's remarkable record of a vanishing frontier. Detailed accounts of the hardships while traveling across mountains, portraits of emigrants, Western wildlife, and Indian culture.
Sacajawea: Guide and Interpreter of Lewis and Clark by Grace Raymond Hebard Remarkable study, based on exacting research, unravels the tangled threads of Sacajawea's family life, describes her personal traits, and significant services she rendered during a grand adventure that would forever alter American history.
Woman’s Life in Colonial Days by Carl Holliday Classic study suggests that, in spite of hardships, many American colonial women led rich, fulfilling lives. Thoughtfully written, well-documented account explores daily lives of women in New England and Southern colonies.
Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar by Emily Ruete, Sayyida Prin. of Zanzibar This 19th-century autobiography offers a rare inside look at the society surrounding a sultan's palace. A real-life princess in exile recalls her vanished world of harems, slave trading, and court intrigues.
The Desert and the Sown: Travels in Palestine and Syria by Gertrude Bell "The female Lawrence of Arabia," Gertrude Bell wrote captivating, perceptive accounts of her travels in the Middle East. This intriguing narrative, accompanied by 160 photos, traces her 1905 sojourn in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.
The Prairie Traveler: The 1859 Handbook for Westbound Pioneers by Randolph B. Marcy Originally published by the War Department, Marcy's manual offers life-or-death advice on choosing the best routes, food supplies, treating snakebites, fording rivers, and encountering Native Americans. 21 original illustrations.
Unbeaten Tracks in Japan by Isabella L. Bird The intrepid explorer recounts her 1878 excursion into the back country of the Far East. Bird describes the vicissitudes of her journey — the difficulties as well as the excitement and rewards.
My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir Muir's engaging journal describes majestic vistas, flora and fauna, as well as the region's other breathtaking natural wonders. 21 black-and-white illustrations.
Among the Tibetans by Isabella L. Bird One of the Victorian era's most intrepid explorers and writers recounts her rugged passage through the Himalayas by horseback and offers evocative accounts of Tibetan ceremonies, architecture, decorations, costumes, and music. 21 black-and-white illustrations.
