The Last Canyon

by John Vernon

“Both gritty and sublime” (Seattle Times), The Last Canyon tells the story of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 voyage of exploration through the Grand Canyon, the last great expedition of discovery in United States history. In this vivid novel, John Vernon intertwines two stories – that of Powell and his crew, and that of a band of Paiute Indians, known as the Shivwits, who lived on the north rim of the canyon. As the novel moves inexorably toward a violent encounter between the two groups, Vernon deftly leads us into perilous geographical and emotional territory. Powell’s adventure is a story of triumph, hardship, bravery, and ultimate loss.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[SD · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Opinion Only. I found the character development to be slow. Although a limited number of participants were involved in the journey through the canyon, the characters were difficult to track and distinguish. More importantly, I did not find the primary characters to be interesting or engaging. I tried to enjoy the book. However, I was not captivated or drawn into the story. Again, one man's opinion. Others readers may enjoy the book.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of John Wesley Powell's expedition to explore the Grand Canyon in 1869, and the Native Americans he came into violent contact with. Felt like a 90's book.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last canyon of the title is known as "Separation Canyon" on the Colorado in the east end of the Grand Canyon. It was at this point that 3 men (Oramel Howland, Seneca Howland, and Bill Dunn) of the 1869 Powell expedition left the group to make their way to Mormon settlements rather than continue on.

This book is historical fiction based on Powell's 1875 book and the surviving journals of some of his men. It tells the story of the expeditions, its hardships, and the increasing tension between the men on the expedition. It is likely a more realistic telling than that presented in Powell's book.

An interesting aspect of the book is the parallel story of a band of Paiutes that eventually intersect with the Howlands and Dunn and how this encounter led to tragedy. This narrative is largely fictional, but is based on later testimony by the Paiutes to Jacob Hamblin (Mormon leader) and John Wesley Powell. I did find this aspect of the story enlightening, with the descriptions of the cultural practices of the Paiutes and the Hopi and Navajo that the Paiutes encounter.

It does tell the tale of the three men after they disappeared from history - their remains have never been found. The only evidence is an inscription on Mount Dellenbaugh possibly made by Bill Dunn.

The author does make the point that there are other explanations for the disappearance of the men, including being murdered by the Mormons. Vernon does not find this explanation tenable, but I do. Even some of Powell's men thought so. Given the bad blood between Mormons and "Gentiles" that continues to exist to this day (see "American Zion" by Betsy Gaines Quammen) and the fact that the Mountain Meadows Massacre had occurred only 12 years before, it is believable that Mormon settlers killed these 'Mericats as spies. This explanation is more thoroughly fleshed out in "Down the Great Unknown" by Edward Dolnick.

While, for me, the book did not give any new revelations beyond the life and culture of the Natives of southern Utah and northern Arizona, I did find it a good read. If someone is interested in a more humanized account of the Powell expedition than that described in the histories, I would recommend this finely written novel.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LAST CANYON is historical fiction. It is the story of John Wesley Powell's harrowing voyage into the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Powell was a military man with one arm, lost in the Civil War. He is a man of daring do and fearless curiosity; an amateur botanist and geologist. His crew is a band of reckless, undisciplined men who almost mutiny because they become so disenchanted with the lack of supplies; accidents and the hardship of the trip. Plus, they begin to despise one another. The story alternates between Powell's party and a band of native Americans, called Shivwits, who are familiar with the territory. (as Powell and his men were not.) The story takes place in 1869 and the life that both parties of people must endure, just to stay alive seems daunting and unimaginable to this modern day couch potato.

[Elderberrywine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this to come together, but it never quite did.

A scruffy and squabbling batch of Americans, lead by John Wesley Powell, make the descent of the Grand Canyon for the first time.

An equally scruffy and ill-starred Native American family wander about in roughly the same area.

At the end, they may or may not have connected, with unfortunate results.

Hmm.

[Terry Steinborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a fictional treatment of John Wesley Powell's epic travels through the Green and Colorado Rivers on the Colorado Plateau. It also contains a parallel account of a group of Paiute (Shivwitz) Native Americans traveling through the area. While the book is interesting and very thoroughly researched, the author needs to realize that it is not essential to put all, or nearly all, of that research into the novel. All of the sections of the book itemize each action, custom and description in such detail that the plot is often obscured. I was looking forward for an account of an exciting adventure in country I know well, but was very disappointed. The level of detail robbed the expedition of its thrills and surprises, and the Native American segments, while of academic interest, just further bogged down the overall story.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating historical novel about Wesley Powell's first trip down the Green and Colorado rivers and through the Grand Canyon. It was an amazing endeavor, which didn't turn out as coherent as it was planned. The author did an excellent job imagining and describing the experiences of the odd assemblage of men who accompanied Powell. He created a side story of a family of Paiute who are traveling in the same area. He includes a very helpful map.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book included two diverging narratives one of a Ute family looking for stolen family members and one of the Powell expedition. I enjoyed the story of Taob and his Ute family, but found the Powell expedition sections to be dry. Also I did not think the two narratives were skillfully intertwined, they were separate stories and mostly stayed that way.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was almost 3 stars... but I felt it had so much filler it distracted from the story. The chapters about the Native Americans were very confusing but I knew they would show up somewhere in the story. I just felt it was not written well and very disconnected.

[Pat Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the first expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, led by John Wesley Powell, who lost his arm at Shiloh in the Civil War. Well worth reading, and a must if you’ve seen the Grand Canyon. The tale is a harrowing one.

[robert e. rayunas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting

If u ever took a river ride down some rapids, u can feel the anxiety of the men. They had no training , and no rubber boats! The beauty of the canyon is beyond words!

[Amy Oechsner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, kind of dry,.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Off to a good start. What can I say? The Grand Canyon is pretty grand even on a modern float trip...
Well I finished it... at the DMV waiting in a three hour line to register my truck. The book was better than the wait, but by the end it was a bit of drudgery. Took a lot of work to finish. I liked the perspective from the local peoples, but somehow the book ended in a fading fizzling sputter. I think I was expecting some recollection of places I had been to or seen but by the time they made it to below Glenn Canyon Damn, it was pretty much more of the same.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about the mapping of the Grand Canyon, which was the last frontier in the continental US at the time. No one knew what was at the bottom. No white man had ever seen it, gone in, or come out alive. It is an incredible tale of courage, stupidity and luck. Reads like a novel.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A parallel story about the canyon Indians and John Wesley Powell's trip down the Grand Canyon. Some good descriptions of the scientific efforts of Powell under the current of the story line. A very rugged and awe inspiring journey not possible today because of Lake Powell.

[Martha Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of the John Wesley Powell exploration of the Route to the Grand Canyon, as well as the general milieu of the time: the Native Americans living there, the post-Civil War era, and so on. Wonderfully written.

[Joani · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great ride! I'm ready for another trip!

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to read and follow. I enjoyed the story but there were parts that made no sense and seemed added for whatever reason.

[Bonnie Kerr · Rating 1 out of 5]

DISCUSTING. I DIDN'T GET TOO FAR INTO THIS BOOK

[Chris Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fictional telling of the first Powell expedition through the Grand Canyon. Inspired me to finally read Beyond the 100th Meridian by Wallace Stegner.

[Maggie]

Re: John Wesley Powell's exploration through the Grand Canyon.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creative intertwining of two stories - a Indian family, and John Wesley Powell's harrowing trip down wild rivers makes this book a great read.