Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains


The great thrill of exploration and discovery, as well as harrowing adventures and disasters were experienced by the brave American men in the 1810-1812 Astor Expedition to Oregon. Travelling by land and by sea, with the hope of setting up a fur trading center for the powerful John Jacob Astor, these men endured incredible hardships and starvation. In spite of the difficulties described, the book was a catalyst that inspired a generation of pioneers to pursue their own way to the Northwest. Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Rip Van Winkle, was a masterful writer who was especially good at conveying the vastness and dangers of the wilderness. - Summary by Carol Pelster (18 hr 13 min)