Mountain man & grizzly

by Fred R. Gowans

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0961648015
• ISBN13: 9780961648015
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Mountain Grizzly Publications
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Mountain men vs. the grizzly bear

As Fred Gowans says in the introduction to this worthy book, besides the harsh environment, the "primary opponents of the mountain men were the ... Indians and the grizzly." For this book Gowans has scoured the journals and diaries left by various mountain men looking for first-hand accounts of encounters with Ursus horribilis (the grizzly bear). Thus records of grizzly attacks as reported by such luminaries as William Ashley, Kit Carson, Thomas Fitzpatrick, James Clyman, and, of course, Hugh Glass, along with dozens of others are given. Gowans quotes extensively from each of his sources, filling in background information when necessary. It's a fascinating compilation from throughout the West. Trappers were always on the lookout for these beasts and so many men could relate bear stories that it was almost a rite of passage to meet up with one. Often the bear came out the winner in attacks on men, and it often took a number of shots into the animal to bring it down. Running sometimes brought a reprise from a mauling or death, but not always. Here then is a useful and informative look at a very specific concern for the mountain men, and an interesting use of the available journals in exploring that consideration. Recommended.