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Kit Carson: Folk Hero and Man
A hair-raising biography of the hunter, scout, and adventurer, Kit Carson.Perfect for readers of Hampton Sides, Stephen Brennan and H. W. Brands.At seventeen Christopher “Kit” Carson left Kentucky and headed west.By the end of his life he had become a living legend, with dime novels exclaiming his accomplishments across the breadth of the country.But what was the truth behind these renowned stories and who was the real Kit Carson?Noel Gerson’s fascinating biography uncovers the reality this extraordinary man, often proving more astounding than any of the novels.Kit Folk Hero and Man explores the tumultuous life of this man who was the archetypal frontiersman; travelling and trapping with famous mountain men like Jim Bridger, guiding John C. Fremont through the vast wilderness, and fighting against Confederate troops during the Civil War.Gerson also examines Carson’s complex relations with the Native Americans tribes; acting honestly as a trader and agent and marrying a native woman, but also leading campaigns against them at various points in his life.“Quite a man, as this fast moving biography shows.” Kirkus Reviews
- GenresHistory
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2021
39 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Noel B. Gerson
131 books25 followersNoel Bertram Gerson (1913-1988) was an American author who wrote 325 books, including several best sellers, among them two screenplay novelizations penned under the pseudonym Samuel Edwards, The Naked Maja, and 55 Days at Peking.
Aside from "Samuel Edwards", which would seem to have been his dedicated by-line for tie-in work, Gerson used the following nine pseudonyms in addition to his own name: Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Dana Fuller Ross; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan.
Aside from "Samuel Edwards", which would seem to have been his dedicated by-line for tie-in work, Gerson used the following nine pseudonyms in addition to his own name: Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Dana Fuller Ross; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 18, 2021
Great History of a True Hero
After reading this book I felt like the educational system failed me in teaching me American history. I heard very little of Kit Carson as a kid/teen and even less on what really went down between the Native Americans/Indians and the US. Including Mexico as they were all intertwined during the time of US expansion and pre/post Civil War.
I learned a lot not just about Christopher (Kit) Carson and his involvement with opening up the American West but the relationship & dealings with the Native American around New Mexico, Arizona, and surrounding areas. It is definitely not what we read about in school nor what they show in movies. A lot of history in this book and Kit Carson was involved in all of it one way or another. Amazing person who cared nothing about fame and glory, just doing his job, living off the land, learning the Indian ways, and satisfying his wanderlust.
After reading this book I felt like the educational system failed me in teaching me American history. I heard very little of Kit Carson as a kid/teen and even less on what really went down between the Native Americans/Indians and the US. Including Mexico as they were all intertwined during the time of US expansion and pre/post Civil War.
I learned a lot not just about Christopher (Kit) Carson and his involvement with opening up the American West but the relationship & dealings with the Native American around New Mexico, Arizona, and surrounding areas. It is definitely not what we read about in school nor what they show in movies. A lot of history in this book and Kit Carson was involved in all of it one way or another. Amazing person who cared nothing about fame and glory, just doing his job, living off the land, learning the Indian ways, and satisfying his wanderlust.
March 24, 2021
Good history of Kit Carson.
I enjoyed this book very much.
Far from general knowledge of Carson, the author delves into facts and specifics of Kit Carson. This is not the general movie rendition of a hero. That said, the book would be recognized more for its scholarly content, and belief in the accounts given, if the book contained footnotes identifying sources. There is a short bibliography included.
Recommended for people interested in a general history of this period, and in Kit Carson.
I enjoyed this book very much.
Far from general knowledge of Carson, the author delves into facts and specifics of Kit Carson. This is not the general movie rendition of a hero. That said, the book would be recognized more for its scholarly content, and belief in the accounts given, if the book contained footnotes identifying sources. There is a short bibliography included.
Recommended for people interested in a general history of this period, and in Kit Carson.
August 8, 2023
kit Carson Folk hero and Man
This is a great story of a man in the lying of a nation. Kit Carson was a man needed at this time in American history. Kit Carson was a mountain man and knew more about the land and it’s people than any other person. The mountain men were a group that made America a country. The Native Americans all respected Kit Carson and were well served by him.
that settled America.
This is a great story of a man in the lying of a nation. Kit Carson was a man needed at this time in American history. Kit Carson was a mountain man and knew more about the land and it’s people than any other person. The mountain men were a group that made America a country. The Native Americans all respected Kit Carson and were well served by him.
that settled America.
December 17, 2021
Beyond the myth of Kit Carson
A fascinating recount of Kit Carson's life and an informative accounting of the many aspects of his life. The integrity that he displayed in all of his dealings with mountain men, settlers, and Indians is clear and awe inspiring. Totally enjoyed the way this book was written.
A fascinating recount of Kit Carson's life and an informative accounting of the many aspects of his life. The integrity that he displayed in all of his dealings with mountain men, settlers, and Indians is clear and awe inspiring. Totally enjoyed the way this book was written.
February 4, 2022
Fascinating Man
A well written biography of a fascinating man who I knew little about. Just the right amount of detail presented in a very readable story. Clearly Kit Carson was one of the most memorable people of the 19th century.
A well written biography of a fascinating man who I knew little about. Just the right amount of detail presented in a very readable story. Clearly Kit Carson was one of the most memorable people of the 19th century.
September 12, 2022
Depiction of a Legand
It was a great experience for me to read the story of this legand.
An amazing individual and a life of boundless experiances
It was a great experience for me to read the story of this legand.
An amazing individual and a life of boundless experiances
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews