In 1853; with money in his pocket and elegant clothes in his saddlebags; a twenty-four-year-old New Englander of aristocratic Yankee stock toured the territories of California; Oregon; Washington; and British Columbia. The Canoe and the Saddle recounts Theodore Winthrop’s Northwest tour. A novelized memoir of his travels; it became a bestseller when it was published shortly after the author’s untimely death in the Civil War. This critical edition of Winthrop’s work; the first in over half a century; offers readers the original text with a narrative overview of the nature and culture of the Pacific Northwest and reflections on the ecological and racial turmoil that gripped the region at the time. It also provides a fresh perspective on the aesthetic; historical; cultural; anthropological; social; and environmental contexts in which Winthrop wrote his sometimes disturbing; sometimes enlightening; and always riveting account. Whether offering portraits of Native American culture—in particular; commenting on the Chinook Jargon—making keen and often prescient observations on nature; or deploying transcendental; animist; or Hudson River School aesthetics (likely learned from his friend Frederick Church); Winthrop develops a clear and compelling picture of a time and place still resonant and relevant today.
#795479 in Books Bison Books 1993-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.21 x 5.98l; 1.73 #File Name: 0803281927569 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Some Different LessonsBy 2N2Make4One of the things you can gain from reading history is a new; different outlook on familiar subjects. While I was generally familiar with the events of the Revolutionary War; Piers Mackesy's The War for America not only provides an illuminating view from the English side; it gives an object lesson in how knowing the events of history can help one avoid making similar mistakes.I have always wondered how England; one of the super powers of the day; could have lost this war to a group of undisciplined farmers. Mackesy provides a detailed account of the problems facing the English and the decisions which led to their defeat. The book is painstakingly annotated throughout and shows a depth of research that gives credit to the efforts of the author.It is written from the English point of view; with detailed descriptions of the English leaders' strategies; their internal politics and how they responded to the events on the ground. Be ready for a wealth of detail concerning English politicians; their relationships; culture; and how all these factors affected their actions in pursuit of the war. This strength is also its weakness: it would have been a stronger book if more information had been given about the strategies of the Colonial forces and the other European nations in the conflict.The book was written in 1964 as the US involvement in Viet Nam was just beginning. The similarities between the difficulties faced by the English and the difficulties the American forces faced 200 years later and a continent away were too clear to be overlooked. Perhaps if the problems faced by the English had been better absorbed by our military leaders; we would have pursued a different path.While occasionally Mackesy's roots show through in his semi-apologetic descriptions of the English side's problems and losses; all in all it is a well written and dispassionate description of the times and the conflict. I recommend it for readers looking for a deeper understanding of the Revolutionary War and of the problems faced by any nation attempting to impose its will on a foreign population.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Tabulous read putting the American War into PerspectiveBy Edward N. StonerThis is an excellent history from the British point of view and provides many interesting insights for the American reader. I found that its detail was impressive. But even more impressive was the author's ability to put the various conflicts into perspective. Well; gosh; the French fleet appeared off Yorktown; the Royal Navy could not get past them; and the war was won. Well; not so fast. I encourage anyone with an interest in the age of sail to invest some time in this wonderful book.You will be well rewarded. Cheers Ed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Serious scholarshipBy MICHAEL MCMURRAYBut still engrossing reading. I found it a page-turner. One cannot have a real understanding of our Revolutionary War - War for Independence without looking at the British side. As well as how "the great game" was played among the colonial powers (England; France; Spain.Holland) in the 18th century. This book provides that perspective; and valuable insight into the personalities and pressures of the individuals pulling the levers of power in that conflict.
