Prairie Traveler

[Outrider]

So I have been looking over MY copy...again...and I am curious if anyone has ever seen an original copy? I am wondering what an 1860 edition would have looked looked like. For example, how it was bound etc, and also what is the likelihood of a traveler of the period actually owning and carrying a copy with him/her on the journey. Any opinions on that?

Thats it. Just curious about it is all.

[Charles W. Mood]

Re: Prairie Traveler

Pat
An original first addition is on sale right now on E-bay with picture:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PRAIRIE-TRAVELER-RANDOLPH-MARCY-1859-1ST-/120531880590?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item1c10428a8e

I must admit I am becoming a big Randolph Marcy (the author of the Prarie Traveler) fan, but had never really heard of him until I transferred to Utah and learned of the "Utah War" (1857-1858). He basically saved Gen. Johnston's stranded Army in an odessey, at least in my mind, that is worthy of the Medal of Honor. After the Utah War he is ordered back to Washington where he writes "Prarie Traveler." His son-in-law ends up being "Little Mac" and he becomes the Inspector General for the Army of the Potomic. Not a bad career at all!

Chuck Mood

[Charles W. Mood]

Re: Prairie Traveler

Pat
Sorry, I forgot to answer the second part of your question. The likelihood of a traveler of the period actually owning and carrying a copy with him/her on the journey would be pretty strong as the Prarie Traveler was "the best selling book for American pioneers" and was of the most successful publishings by the US Govt. It was an improvement (more accurate) over Lansford Hastings' "Emigrants Guide to Oregon and California (published in 1845)" which was used by the ill-fated Donner Party.

Chuck Mood