Men With Sand Great Explorers of the North American West by John Moring
A little more than a century ago, western North America was a mystery to the European settlers who had rapidly filled the eastern part of the continent. In the feverish search for beaver, gold, and emigration routes, a special breed of man emerged who would reveal the secrets of the vast West. Such men were said to "have sand" or "have sand in their craw." The words described men who had the ability and desire to discover what lay beyond the known world. These men, rugged individuals with the determination to succeed, the grit to survive, and the wanderlust in their hearts, forged the way for the settlement of the west.
Jedediah Smith had sand. He helped sew on his own scalp after a grizzly ripped it loose. John Colter had sand, too. Stripped naked and given a slim head start, he outran a furious band of Blackfeet and hid in an icy river to escape.
In Men with Sand, author John Moring skillfully guides the reader through the lives of thirteen intrepid explorers including the highly regarded team of Lewis and Clark, and the lesser known father and son pair, the Patties. Black-and-white historical photos and detailed maps help bring their stories to life. Students of history and those with a fascination for tales of the West will enjoy the exhilarating adventures of Men with Sand.
Paperback, c1998, 208 p. : ill. ; 22 cm. Includes bibliographical references (p.200-202) and index.
