Missouri Books

Elinor Wilson renders honorable credit to legendary frontiersman Jim Beckwourth. Always recognized in early western history literature, the general consensus is that Beckwourth's word was worthless. The author justifiably debates this issue by including many other documented reports of the times to support and verify his accounts for the most part. One can almost agree that early western tales were, well, tales with twists to them. Events did get exaggerated by everyone at one time or another, still do.
A member of Ashley's 1824 fur trapping brigade, living with and becoming a Crow Indian chief for several years, exploring many parts of the west, locating a pass into California for emigrants, trading endeavors, shopkeeper in several western locations, etc.
An energetic and entertaining glimpse into a forgotten hero of the west.

This book is best read in conjunction with Larpenteur's FORTY YEARS A FUR TRADER,and Denig's FIVE INDIAN TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI,& ASSINABOINE to fully appreciate the cultural specifics & interrelationships between white traders,Indians,& Metis peoples in mid 19th century Dakota & Montana territories.Unlike present day politically correct/"sensitive" accounts, Kurz was a Swiss artist who lived with & sketched the Indian tribes of the upper & lower Missouri River from 1846-1852 as he found them. Dispite overall sympathy for the plight of their rapidly changing cultures,he depicts various tribes in brutally accurate & often unflattering accounts. History with all its bumps & warts is a phenomena sadly lacking today particularly with regard to Native American/White relations on the frontier. It's a humanizing account-acknowledging the endemic savage violence Indians were capable of directing toward each other. The lethal depridations of Smallpox,Influenza, & Cholera, on native populations are also described with disturbing directness. I would recommend this & the other titles mentioned for any reader who is interested in historical accuracy with often upsetting bluntness.

Journeys To The Edge: In The Footsteps Of An Anthropologist by Peter M. Gardner (Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Missouri-Columbia) is the story of the author's years of field trip based anthropological researches in his chosen field of study. Readers will learn of the collective findings and studies of Gardner in his endeavors involving medical and travel emergencies, magical fights, natural dangers, playful friends, and scientific discoveries as he focuses his research whence among the many hunter-gatherer tribes of Canada's Northwest Territories, Japan, India, and many more. Journeys To The Edge is a scholarly and informative collective observational studies of anthropological explorations, enhanced with intimate personal content. Very strongly recommended reading for all students of indigenous peoples of the world, anthropology, Taoism, nature, homeopathic or natural medication, and travel for its vivid and intriguing stories and observations. Journeys To The Edge is appropriate for both aspiring students of anthropology as well as the non-specialist general reader with an interest in this particular area of scientific advances and discoveries.

This is a brilliant book on finding the joy in language through the study of sound and phonetics in the English language. A must-read for singers, actors, public speakers and anyone interested in the English language, Colaianni provides a unique approach to what could easily be a tiring subject. Colaianni seeks to make language tangible through his vocal exercises and his delightful idea of making alphabet pillows. Don't just say language. Experience it! Taste it, touch it, play with it, love it, make it yours! His enthusiasm for the subject is infectuous. Although written in a clear, easily understood manner, the joy he feels for sound will soon be yours once you begin to follow his simple instructions. Learn to love language!

This paperback anthology was published in 1983 by the Southwest Missouri State University English department in Springfield. It features a poem by Miller Williams that I believe has never been published in any of his collections, "Looking for Johnny Cash." Well-known Arkansas novelist Donald Harington and poets David Baker and Donald Finkel also appear here. Regional interest, Williams's poem, and obscurity make this book a real collector's item.

This book is a collection of personal stories about life on a Missouri farm. David Schafer and his wife Alice decided to take up farming on his grandparents' Missouri farm after they were given a relocation ultimatum by the company they were working for at the time. Before this, the Schafers had no farm experience but figured they could put their college educations and love for the land to good use. Fortunately, they had a number of friendly and patient neighbors willing to help them learn the ropes. The Schafers discovered they had many untapped practical skills and they were keen observers, open to learning from others. In this book, David Schafer relates some of their adventures and misadventures on the farm, and conveys some of the country wisdom they learned from their neighbors and farm animals. Although they are now quite successful organic farmers and leaders in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in their community, the book is written in a humble, unassuming style. It makes great light reading for those interested in rural lifestyles, and may provide some interesting ideas or points to ponder for homesteaders.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Arcadia Publishing's Black America Series is worth millions. Each title in the series (currently 82 and growing) focuses on a region or theme, and is written by a local history buff with an obvious passion for their subject. Each is packed with 200 photographs depicting scenes from family, social, business, cultural, religious and political life, with narrative to place them in context. Many of the photos are from private collections and the archives of black newspapers.

The power of making visible what was formerly invisible cannot be overestimated. I have personally reviewed three titles and recommend them all: ANOTHER ANN ARBOR by Carol Gibson and Lola M. Jones, CINCINNATI by Gina Ruffin Moore, and KANSAS CITY by Delia C. Gillis.

Delicious recipes... appetizers that look perfect for holiday cocktail parties. Main entrees from Christmas Golden Goose to Long Island Duckling to Pork Tenderloin with Easy Plum Sauce. This is a collection from the author's friends and families. It looks like everyone shared their BEST recipes!

This book is a fine study of the Katy's Northwestern District. The extensive rare photographs, many by the author, are a wonderful complement to the well organized text. The detailed coverage of the last days on the District is particularly poignant.

-A superb piece of work from Katy expert Raymond George and Joe Collias, the dean of Missouri railroading. Heavily illustrated history of the M-K-T railroad, featuring locomotives, trains, structures and cabooses. A joy to read for anyone with affection for the Katy Railroad.