Wilderness

by Roger Zelazny, Gerald Hausman

Overview

In 1808, mountain man John Colter ran and climbed 150 miles while being pursued by members of the Blackfeet nation. His run for life became a part of heroic American history and culture. In 1823, hunter Hugh Glass, left for dead after being torn apart by a grizzly bear dragged himself out of his grave and crawled more than 80 miles to wreak revenge on the trusted friend who abandoned him. This authentic and unique historical novel follows the survival trail and blood spoor of both men. History has recorded their triumphs -- Colter discovering what is now Yellowstone National Park. Hugh Glass becoming an icon of the American frontier.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617203695
Publisher:	Wilder Publications
Publication date:	11/25/2011
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	293,803
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Most famous for his science fiction series The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny (1937-1995) was a prolific sci-fi and fantasy writer. Zelazny’s books have won three Nebula Awards and six Hugo Awards. He frequently depicts mythic characters attempting to succeed in the modern world, and his stories often feature absent father figures.

Editorial Reviews

The feats of two legendary ``mountain men'' are the subject of this unusual new western novel, a collaboration between science fiction author Zelazny ( Nine Princes in Amber ) and Hausman ( Tunkashila ), who usually writes about Native Americans. In 1808, explorer John Colter is forced to run for his life through what today is Yellowstone National Park, pursued by 700 Blackfeet Indians for 150 miles in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fifteen years later, hunter Hugh Glass, left for dead after being mauled by a bear, manages to crawl more than 100 miles from the Grand Valley to civilization by the Missouri River. The narrative alternates between the two men's stories, which are linked by incredible feats of survival. (Only in the final chapter do we discover another bond between the protagonists.) With a force that pulls readers through the pages, the text plumbs their thoughts as they struggle against other humans and the environment; it also reveals the survival tricks learned from a lifetime in the West. Although the dialogue is often stilted, as is common in this genre, the tale remains compelling. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Hausman, an authority on Native American culture and history as well as the terrain, wildlife, and beauties of the wilderness, and Zelazny, an sf writer noted for his creative imagination, make ideal partners to produce a this tale about the survival of two supermen in the wild. In 1808, the famous hunter Jack Colter races for his life, pursued by Blackfoot warriors. For 150 miles he runs barefoot over mountains and plains, enduring incredible hardships. Hugh Glass, mauled by a bear and left for dead in 1823, drags, crawls, and finally walks from Grand Valley to the Missouri, a better man than when he started. A surprise ending will delight readers of this remarkable novel.-- Sister Avila, Acad. of the Holy Angels, Minneapolis

Library Journal

YA-Alternating chapters present fictionalized accounts of two true-life survival stories from the early days of the American West. In 1808, John Colter was pursued for 150 miles by Indians. In 1823, Hugh Glass managed to crawl, limp, etc. for 100 miles for help after being mauled by a bear and left for dead beside his potential grave. The opening pages are sure to lure readers inside as they are plunged immediately into the action. Later chapters show each man's introspective nature as he reminisces about friends and events in his life. Conversations exist only in these memories. Descriptions of nature and survival techniques abound. There are even a few comical moments. Animal tracks conclude most chapters and will pique YAs' curiosity. A brief concluding historical note provides information about what is known of the men following their adventures. Two gripping tales of courage, determination, and endurance.-Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

School Library Journal