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Death Valley in '49
William Lewis Manley's autobiography of his experiences in the California Gold Rush. Hardcover.
379 pages, Hardcover
Published December 29, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 28, 2025
Mr. Manley is my husband's uncle by marriage. Of course, that makes us partial to this account of part of his life. According to our family history, this account of his early life and travel to the goldfields of California is very authentic. As you read Mr. Manley's story, I believe you will become convinced of its authenticity as well.
Mr. Manley was not an educated man by the academic, scholastic standards of today, but he was intelligent and self-taught by life's experiences. He was an honorable man, well trained and raised by his parents and extended family as a young boy. His memory for conversations, names, and other details from his youth and his travels is amazingly accurate even though he was without the benefit of his original diary, which was burned in a fire much before the writing of this book. He was a rather humble man, not thinking his story was of much value to anyone. That is why he stored his diary in a trunk in the attic where it was finally burned up.
His insights into human behavior and how people think shows he was a sensitive, curious man with an attractive sense of humor. He was a man of ingenious solutions to life-threatening problems. He was a believer in God and God's intervention in his life.
I wonder how many readers today would even consider walking across the United States. Mr. Manley was a true adventurer, yet he was systematic and wise about it. His commitment to his promises is demonstrated throughout the book. He was also a true hero of the times, at least to those that named Manley Peak in Death Valley after him.
I have read this book to senior citizens groups and to children, always with the same result. They are fascinated, entertained, mesmerized and inspired by the account of his life and adventure. Many times I have been asked to repeat certain portions of of his story a second or third time.
If you ever wondered about the meaning of the phrase "eating crow", reading this book will tell you how Mr. Manley discovered its meaning. You will also discover the value of the much maligned mule. Have you ever wondered how it might feel to be dying of thirst or hunger? Mr. Manley tells you quite exactly.
There is so much more I could say about Mr. Manley and this book, but I think that you must read it and experience his story with him for yourself. It is a true peek into his life and the times in which he lived. This book is truly a good read. It could even change your life a little.
Mr. Manley was not an educated man by the academic, scholastic standards of today, but he was intelligent and self-taught by life's experiences. He was an honorable man, well trained and raised by his parents and extended family as a young boy. His memory for conversations, names, and other details from his youth and his travels is amazingly accurate even though he was without the benefit of his original diary, which was burned in a fire much before the writing of this book. He was a rather humble man, not thinking his story was of much value to anyone. That is why he stored his diary in a trunk in the attic where it was finally burned up.
His insights into human behavior and how people think shows he was a sensitive, curious man with an attractive sense of humor. He was a man of ingenious solutions to life-threatening problems. He was a believer in God and God's intervention in his life.
I wonder how many readers today would even consider walking across the United States. Mr. Manley was a true adventurer, yet he was systematic and wise about it. His commitment to his promises is demonstrated throughout the book. He was also a true hero of the times, at least to those that named Manley Peak in Death Valley after him.
I have read this book to senior citizens groups and to children, always with the same result. They are fascinated, entertained, mesmerized and inspired by the account of his life and adventure. Many times I have been asked to repeat certain portions of of his story a second or third time.
If you ever wondered about the meaning of the phrase "eating crow", reading this book will tell you how Mr. Manley discovered its meaning. You will also discover the value of the much maligned mule. Have you ever wondered how it might feel to be dying of thirst or hunger? Mr. Manley tells you quite exactly.
There is so much more I could say about Mr. Manley and this book, but I think that you must read it and experience his story with him for yourself. It is a true peek into his life and the times in which he lived. This book is truly a good read. It could even change your life a little.
May 30, 2024
A striking account of the thrill, pain and fear of daily pioneering. Yet this is not a tale of civilization evaporating immediately through distance. No Lords of Flies here. Manly acknowledges dark nature, but we also see the small community of travelers creating organization and working through their challenges cooperatively. There are kind Natives too and generous Mexicans.
At times humorous and self-effacing, though Manly doesn’t explore the individual character of his companions very deeply. Indeed, the clever mule is probably the most vibrant person in the book.
At times humorous and self-effacing, though Manly doesn’t explore the individual character of his companions very deeply. Indeed, the clever mule is probably the most vibrant person in the book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews