The Beaver Men: Spearheads of Empire

by Mari Sandoz

Covering more than two centuries, The Beaver Men ranges from the beginning of the beaver trade along the St. Lawrence to the last great rendezvous of traders and trappers on Ham's Fork, in what is now Wyoming, in 1834.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction, Westerns

343 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Mari Susette Sandoz (May 11, 1896 – March 10, 1966) was a novelist, biographer, lecturer, and teacher. She was one of Nebraska's foremost writers, and wrote extensively about pioneer life and the Plains Indians.

Reviews

[Jane Considine · Rating 3 out of 5]

there were portions of this book that were somewhat tedious reading for me, and other portions that were very engaging and provided good insight about the North American fur trade including the relationship between Native Americans and French and/or British (and the relationships varied from tribe to tribe), the role of various explorers and adventurers, personalities of individuals prominent in the fur trade (John Jacob Astor, Pierre Verendrye, Manuel Lisa, Ramsay Crooks, and many many more.
Sandoz provided some interesting reading when discussing the physical characteristics and behavior of the beaver (castor), and the role of the beaver in history,

[Ryan Silve · Rating 2 out of 5]

A highly impressive, but almost insufferably dry, piece of historical research. The brilliant materials Sandoz utilizes are done justice for 40-50 pages out of 300. Her style simply was not for me.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This excellent book was on hold for too long. I had promised it to a friend when I was finished - but I realized that quite a long time would pass before that happened. I'm sure Bill will enjoy it!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a big fan of her writing style, but her history is great! All her books should be required reading in American History!

[Patrick Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry. So dry.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very enjoyable read. Although a bit dry in spots, for the most part the book is an enjoyable study of the beaver trade in North America. I was especially impressed with the relatively enlightened attitude towards the Native American point of view - with becoming a sermon on historical justice.

[James Prothero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, I didn't already read this. Good overview of the fur trade, but owes much to already published histories.