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Spanish Bit Saga
The Traveler
A TRIUMPHANT WESTERN SAGA OF ONE BRAVE MAN’S QUEST FOR SURVIVAL IN THE VAST WILDERNESS OF THE GREAT PLAINS.
In childhood his name was Woodpecker. Now, he is the Storyteller, weaving long-ago tales and trading as he traverses the lands of the People. Married to the beautiful Plum Leaf, the Storyteller sets out on the great adventure that will be his own life. He witnesses the changes the white men have brought – the taking of scalps, the preying of brother upon brother, the knives made of shiny, smooth metal.
He journeys far and wide, to the land of the buffalo and to the heart of an enchanting young captive named Pale Star, who will be his shining light and destiny in the dark days ahead. He is known by many names to those he meets in the wilderness: Storyteller, trader, Traveler – and one day he will become a legend as the half-man, half-spirit called the Watcher.
In childhood his name was Woodpecker. Now, he is the Storyteller, weaving long-ago tales and trading as he traverses the lands of the People. Married to the beautiful Plum Leaf, the Storyteller sets out on the great adventure that will be his own life. He witnesses the changes the white men have brought – the taking of scalps, the preying of brother upon brother, the knives made of shiny, smooth metal.
He journeys far and wide, to the land of the buffalo and to the heart of an enchanting young captive named Pale Star, who will be his shining light and destiny in the dark days ahead. He is known by many names to those he meets in the wilderness: Storyteller, trader, Traveler – and one day he will become a legend as the half-man, half-spirit called the Watcher.
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1991
About the author
Don Coldsmith
67 books66 followersDon Coldsmith was an American author of primarily Western fiction. A past president of Western Writers of America, Coldsmith wrote more than 40 books, as well as and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. His “Spanish Bit Saga,” a series of related novels, helped to re-define the Western novel by adopting the point of view of the Native Americans, rather than the European immigrants.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2019
The book spans the life of an Indian, called among other things the Traveler, that spends each season traveling far and wide telling stories and trading goods. I must admit that premise didn’t sound all that interesting, but the book surprised me. Coldsmith serves up an engaging story creating a real sense of compassion for the Traveler. For me the book got better the longer I read it but, the ending while not entirely unsatisfying, stopped just short of where I wish it would have ended.
January 29, 2016
Very good "Western" story. It's actually not like your normal American Western tale. Lots of nicely developed characters and a nice continuing storyline. Recommended
September 12, 2021
Don Coldsmith – The Traveler – Reviewed 9/11/21 – Read 9/7-8/21
The teller of tales keeping the past alive and living as he goes!
When he was a child, he was known as Woodpecker, then his mother remarried a man called the Traveler or trader, but he was also the celebrated Storyteller that everyone looked forward to when he would visit. Woodpecker had always felt that he was different because he did not have a father, but when his mother remarried, he became whole again. He felt that the other children would look up to him because his new father was so special. As they traveled and he realized just what the meaning of life was and how that the Traveler needed to be the person that people could love and respect, his outlook changed.
As he grew towards maturity, his stepfather helped him develop his own ways of storytelling and began including him in the circle. All during this time his mind was open and wanted to learn increasingly, he became adept at telling stories, sign language, and other Native tongues. Eventually, their travels brought them to the home of Plum Leaf and the young storyteller fell in love. We follow along with them as they travel the lands and trade with the other tribes all the while sharing their tales in the fashion of the storyteller.
Join the Traveler as he wanders the west with his family and shares the stories from the past with others, finding and falling in love, and living life.
What did I like? This was an amazing storyline, and I am only sorry that I was born too late to enjoy the stories myself. When I lived on the Jemez reservation in New Mexico we did have a revered storyteller, but it would have been more interesting to have been able to enjoy them in this way.
What will you like? An amazing storyline in which you will find life lessons. The author tells his story in the growth of life and death, sharing all that goes on between childhood and the ending of life. In some parts of the storyline, he shares the hardships that unfortunately were true-life tales. But the love and learning that a wonderful man gave to his stepson, then on to an adopted daughter will bring tears to your eyes. A beautifully written story that has become one of my favorites. Don’t miss this amazing new book, “The Traveler” by Don Coldsmith, which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09C2QTWHK
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 9/8/2021
• File Size: 4666 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Genre: Native American Literature, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic Historical Fiction
The teller of tales keeping the past alive and living as he goes!
When he was a child, he was known as Woodpecker, then his mother remarried a man called the Traveler or trader, but he was also the celebrated Storyteller that everyone looked forward to when he would visit. Woodpecker had always felt that he was different because he did not have a father, but when his mother remarried, he became whole again. He felt that the other children would look up to him because his new father was so special. As they traveled and he realized just what the meaning of life was and how that the Traveler needed to be the person that people could love and respect, his outlook changed.
As he grew towards maturity, his stepfather helped him develop his own ways of storytelling and began including him in the circle. All during this time his mind was open and wanted to learn increasingly, he became adept at telling stories, sign language, and other Native tongues. Eventually, their travels brought them to the home of Plum Leaf and the young storyteller fell in love. We follow along with them as they travel the lands and trade with the other tribes all the while sharing their tales in the fashion of the storyteller.
Join the Traveler as he wanders the west with his family and shares the stories from the past with others, finding and falling in love, and living life.
What did I like? This was an amazing storyline, and I am only sorry that I was born too late to enjoy the stories myself. When I lived on the Jemez reservation in New Mexico we did have a revered storyteller, but it would have been more interesting to have been able to enjoy them in this way.
What will you like? An amazing storyline in which you will find life lessons. The author tells his story in the growth of life and death, sharing all that goes on between childhood and the ending of life. In some parts of the storyline, he shares the hardships that unfortunately were true-life tales. But the love and learning that a wonderful man gave to his stepson, then on to an adopted daughter will bring tears to your eyes. A beautifully written story that has become one of my favorites. Don’t miss this amazing new book, “The Traveler” by Don Coldsmith, which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09C2QTWHK
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 9/8/2021
• File Size: 4666 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Genre: Native American Literature, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic Historical Fiction
September 13, 2018
I re-read this for an introductory literature class I teach. Don Coldsmith is under-appreciated by literary people. His books are attractive to reluctant readers because they are easy to read and plot driven, not usually qualities associated with high literary achievement. But Coldsmith writes of Native American cultures with intelligence and sensitivity He explores how such cultures were in some ways profoundly different from ours and in others startlingly similar. The Traveler, among other things, explores the power of stories to help us preserve and understand culture. It's an enjoyable read.
June 26, 2024
I have always loved the stories told by Don Coldsmith
The Traveler is a wonderful companion and extension of the storyline in the Spamish Bit Saga. It is also a great story in its own right.
The Traveler is a wonderful companion and extension of the storyline in the Spamish Bit Saga. It is also a great story in its own right.
November 15, 2021
Great Stpry
A Great tale of "the people"! It is a good story of Native Americans that I am sure that if they have read, that they will enjoy!
A Great tale of "the people"! It is a good story of Native Americans that I am sure that if they have read, that they will enjoy!
September 1, 2023
Another great read...
September 12, 2021
Don Coldsmith – The Traveler – Reviewed 9/11/21 – Read 9/7-8/21
The teller of tales keeping the past alive and living as he goes!
When he was a child, he was known as Woodpecker, then his mother remarried a man called the Traveler or trader, but he was also the celebrated Storyteller that everyone looked forward to when he would visit. Woodpecker had always felt that he was different because he did not have a father, but when his mother remarried, he became whole again. He felt that the other children would look up to him because his new father was so special. As they traveled and he realized just what the meaning of life was and how that the Traveler needed to be the person that people could love and respect, his outlook changed.
As he grew towards maturity, his stepfather helped him develop his own ways of storytelling and began including him in the circle. All during this time his mind was open and wanted to learn increasingly, he became adept at telling stories, sign language, and other Native tongues. Eventually, their travels brought them to the home of Plum Leaf and the young storyteller fell in love. We follow along with them as they travel the lands and trade with the other tribes all the while sharing their tales in the fashion of the storyteller.
Join the Traveler as he wanders the west with his family and shares the stories from the past with others, finding and falling in love, and living life.
What did I like? This was an amazing storyline, and I am only sorry that I was born too late to enjoy the stories myself. When I lived on the Jemez reservation in New Mexico we did have a revered storyteller, but it would have been more interesting to have been able to enjoy them in this way.
What will you like? An amazing storyline in which you will find life lessons. The author tells his story in the growth of life and death, sharing all that goes on between childhood and the ending of life. In some parts of the storyline, he shares the hardships that unfortunately were true-life tales. But the love and learning that a wonderful man gave to his stepson, then on to an adopted daughter will bring tears to your eyes. A beautifully written story that has become one of my favorites. Don’t miss this amazing new book, “The Traveler” by Don Coldsmith, which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09C2QTWHK
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 9/8/2021
• File Size: 4666 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Genre: Native American Literature, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic Historical Fiction
The teller of tales keeping the past alive and living as he goes!
When he was a child, he was known as Woodpecker, then his mother remarried a man called the Traveler or trader, but he was also the celebrated Storyteller that everyone looked forward to when he would visit. Woodpecker had always felt that he was different because he did not have a father, but when his mother remarried, he became whole again. He felt that the other children would look up to him because his new father was so special. As they traveled and he realized just what the meaning of life was and how that the Traveler needed to be the person that people could love and respect, his outlook changed.
As he grew towards maturity, his stepfather helped him develop his own ways of storytelling and began including him in the circle. All during this time his mind was open and wanted to learn increasingly, he became adept at telling stories, sign language, and other Native tongues. Eventually, their travels brought them to the home of Plum Leaf and the young storyteller fell in love. We follow along with them as they travel the lands and trade with the other tribes all the while sharing their tales in the fashion of the storyteller.
Join the Traveler as he wanders the west with his family and shares the stories from the past with others, finding and falling in love, and living life.
What did I like? This was an amazing storyline, and I am only sorry that I was born too late to enjoy the stories myself. When I lived on the Jemez reservation in New Mexico we did have a revered storyteller, but it would have been more interesting to have been able to enjoy them in this way.
What will you like? An amazing storyline in which you will find life lessons. The author tells his story in the growth of life and death, sharing all that goes on between childhood and the ending of life. In some parts of the storyline, he shares the hardships that unfortunately were true-life tales. But the love and learning that a wonderful man gave to his stepson, then on to an adopted daughter will bring tears to your eyes. A beautifully written story that has become one of my favorites. Don’t miss this amazing new book, “The Traveler” by Don Coldsmith, which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09C2QTWHK
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 9/8/2021
• File Size: 4666 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Genre: Native American Literature, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic Historical Fiction
October 2, 2021
A Tale of a Tale!
An unusual western story that is both captivating and well woven. It is a lifetime of a single man, yet brings in other unforgettable characters. It has many twists and real life cares and concerns. This was truly time well spent.
An unusual western story that is both captivating and well woven. It is a lifetime of a single man, yet brings in other unforgettable characters. It has many twists and real life cares and concerns. This was truly time well spent.
March 26, 2015
This is a great book. Its about a storyteller who was named Woodpecker. Now he is telling longago tales about the land of the People. He has a wife named Plum Leaf, he talks about his life. He sees a lot of the changes the white men brought. He travels far to the land of the buffalo and to the heart of young captive named Pale Star, and this guy helps him for what's next in life. He is called a bunch of different types of names but the one that is most common is the traveler.
warning- none
warning- none
September 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! A fascinating read set in the mid to late 16th century or perhaps early 17th century. A novel of the Great Plains Native Americans and a peek into their way of life.
August 28, 2012
I vaguely rember the storyline coz i read this like a decade ago, but wat i cant forget about this is that so gross taking-of-the-scalp thing! Whew!! and yes this brought me to tears too.
July 22, 2014
Quick eay read
May 6, 2013
The story was good, but the writing kind of bored me. All in all a good book. I would totally recommend.
Read
June 9, 2017good
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews