A.B. Guthrie

[muggle not]

The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

 

One of the great books of historical fiction regarding the time period of the early to mid 1800's in the American Northwest, a realistic writing of the exploration by the Mountain Men. Even though the book was written 50+ years ago, it is still great reading.

 

Designated "The best novel of the American West"

Review By Tom Bruce on January 14, 2005

 

What Larry McMurty's "Lonesome Dove" is to the cowboy of the old west, A.B. Guthrie's "The Big Sky" is to the mountain men of roughly the same period. "Lonesome Dove" gives us August McCrae and W.F. Call; "The Big Sky" introduces us to Boone Caudhill, Jim Deakins, and Dick Summers. These are magical characters, brought to three-dimensional life by the skills of the respective authors. The pacing of "The Big Sky" is right on. Guthrie gives us a few pages of quiet introspection as we get to know the heart and soul of his creations, and then hints of danger to follow building extreme foreboding of trouble ahead. This is followed by high-tension, full-fisted action as the individual conflicts are met head-on; then comes another quiet period to allow us to catch our breath. This is not a shoot-em-up Western, but a realistic portrayal of life and times of 1830 to 1843 in the American northwest written for the mature reader. In fact, it is realistic to a surprising degree. No more to be said about that, because I don't wish to destroy your delight of discovery. "The Big Sky" is the first in a series of six books in the so-called "Big Sky series." This first book has been designated "the best novel of the American West" by the Western Literature Association. The sequel, "The Way West," won the Pulitzer Prize. I can't wait to read it; in fact I began immediately following the last page of the first book.

Edited January 16, 2014 by muggle not

[pontalba]

You've really peaked my curiosity, muggle.   I might already have it on the Wish List.  Hafta check.