Etulain, Dr. Richard W. - Beyond the Missouri

[Jim Franklin]

Considered by many to be one of the foremost historians of US Western history, Dr. Etulain has written a most erudite book on the history of the West from North Dakota to Texas and westward to the Pacific. In it he captures the constant change and complexity of the region and sub regions. He tackles the many geographical variations in the landscape and the different ethnic and religious groups that make up the "tossed salad" population. He also treats the development of the arts and cultural development in the region. Overall I think my former NNU college roommate has researched and produced a very excellent and readable book on my favorite area of the US.

[Jim Franklin]

Dr. Etulain is to have a series of book signings here in the Boise area in the first part of May.

[Dave McClung]

Considered by many to be one of the foremost historians of US Western history, Dr. Etulain has written a most erudite book on the history of the West from North Dakota to Texas and westward to the Pacific. In it he captures the constant change and complexity of the region and sub regions. He tackles the many geographical variations in the landscape and the different ethnic and religious groups that make up the "tossed salad" population. He also treats the development of the arts and cultural development in the region. Overall I think my former NNU college roommate has researched and produced a very excellent and readable book on my favorite area of the US.

Wow! That seems like a tall task to tackle in one book.

Does he include a discussion of the Anza Trail? Linda and I hiked a portion of it last week. The Anza Trail begins in Nogales, AZ and leads to San Fransico, CA. It was the trail by which the Spanish (Catholic) culture was introduced to what is now the Southwestern U.S.

[Jim Franklin]

He mentions it or I would have called him on it because my paper for my doctoral course on Southwest US Geography was on the trails, Spanish, Pike's, cattle driving trails etc. Actually it is interesting that the development of many of our early roads were first animal trails between sleeping places to water, which were then used by the Native Americans and pioneer horseman, then widened into wagon trails and then roadways. I recently picked up the fact that the Interstate Highway System designated by President Eisenhower for National Defense have underpasses which some of the military equipment could not even pass through.