Daniel Boone: An American Life

by Michael A. Lofaro

The embodiment of the American hero, the man of action, the pathfinder, Daniel Boone represents the great adventure of his age―the westward movement of the American people. Daniel Boone: An American Life brings together over thirty years of research in an extraordinary biography of the quintessential pioneer. Based on primary sources, the book depicts Boone through the eyes of those who knew him and within the historical contexts of his eighty-six years. The story of Daniel Boone offers new insights into the turbulent birth and growth of the nation and demonstrates why the frontier forms such a significant part of the American experience.

Genres: History, Biography

248 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2003

Reviews

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Daniel Boone biography that I have read, and this was written in a more scholarly way than the other two. The narrative was pretty good, and the information and the pictures were good. It was a good read.

[Patrick Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book an easy read that was chock full of information on Daniel and his life events. From his ancestors to his wanderlust that kept him moving westward. His battles with natives as well as his fall from grace. The information showed him to be a true warrior, tactician and well respected, knowledgeable frontiersman.

The book also offered insights into things I didn't know from my youth, how Daniel because one of the richest men and largest land holders in Kentucky only to lose it all through cross claims, dealings with dishonest men and a lack of public confidence and trust in lawyers.

The book is not a tell all end all of Daniel Boone's life but it is a good place to start. A well rounded introduction to the man whose name will live through the walls of time that separate us from our history. A good read.

[David Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly reviews of the many lives Daniel Boone lived. He was a polymath and could solve problems quickly and thusly lived to age 90. Wow! He lived a life moving westward as the years passed as far west as Missouri. The author is from Kentucky and likely wrote this as Daniel is one the most famous Kentucky people ever. He did it all and was not killed but had more than one close call.
Nothing held back Daniel from his ambitions.

[Brooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was planning on a trip to Cumberland Gap Historical Park and wanted to get some history of the area. This was an OK history of Daniel Boone. He grew up with a wunderlust streak. He spent much of his early life avoiding farming and spending as much time hunting as possible. He kept moving further out to the frontier to get better hunting. This required numerous conflicts with various Indian tribes. He is even capture for six months and is adopted as the son of one of the chiefs. Because of this, he is tried at a court marshal for helping Indians - he is cleared, but leaves him bitter. Far worse, is his being cheated many times for land claims. As a surveyor, he is liable when his surveyed land is questioned.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it mentions an ancestor of mine who fought with Daniel Boone - the story is that he (my ancestor, not Daniel Boone) was shot at during an Indian raid, ended up with 14 holes in his clothes and not a scratch on his body. Pretty wild. ;) Although how either of them managed to live long lives is a mystery to me - they lived through some brutal times!

Overall this was an interesting read, I didn't remember as much about Daniel Boone as I thought I would have considering how famous he is... Worth a read if you are into USA history!

[Kristen Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to read something that my son is so excited about...biographies aren't really my thing though. :)

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography on Daniel Boone packs a lot of information for its compact size.