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Dream West by David Nevin
New York: Putnam, 1983Talk about a life with ups and downs. John Fremont, one of America's great early western explorers, charted a life filled with spectacular successes as well as devastating defeats. Fremont, who enjoyed the distinction of serving as California's first governor, was also taken in chains to federal prison when his claim to the governorship was questioned by U.S. military authorities. Lincoln feared him as a political foe (Fremont ran unsuccessfully for president in 1856), yet appointed him as a U.S. Army general during the Civil War.
Nevin's Dream West captures the great adventure of Fremont's life. At the same time, Nevin chronicles the many historical events that played such an important role in Fremont's life. Dream West is very entertaining, and serves as a fine introduction to the early exploration and settlement of the West, as well as the events leading to the American Civil War.Comment
The book is well researched, and the historical backdrop for the story is generally accurate. Though published in 1983, the book actually follows chronologically Nevin’s 1812, which was published over a decade later in 1996. Nevin includes “Notes on Methods and Sources” that describes his major sources and points out historical inaccuracies included to improve the storyline. The book contains some profanity and sexual references.Reading Level: 6.5
Interest Level: Young Adult +Supports the following Instructional Objectives:
Trace the Exploration and Settlement of the West
"The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak" by Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) used with permission of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art at: www.metmuseum.org/collections/view1.asp?dep=2&full=0&item=07%2E123
Accessed June 13, 2002.Historical Fiction and Idaho U.S. History Curriculum
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