8 of the Best Mountain Man Books for Learning
If you are looking to sit down and enjoy a great mountain man book, and want to learn in the process, here are a few recommendations.
In a world where videos are king, why would anyone still be interested in reading a book? I’ve heard this sort of comment from a number of people, and I have to admit that advocating for book reading in the 21st century can be a tough sell. I mean, I like videos and movies just as much as the next person. In fact, I’ve included several I’ve made recounting primary sources on this subject. On the other hand, if given the choice, I’ll often opt for an old-school paperback book. A surprising number of people feel the same way. Besides, reading also has great benefits. One article suggests that reading can improve mental capacity, reduce stress, help you sleep, decrease depression, and help fight against debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s. People read for a million other reasons as well, but those are some common ones.
If you are a reader, and you are into the American frontier, you might be wondering what some of the best mountain man books available. Spend any time on this website, and you shouldn’t have to use many detective skills to realize our partiality to the mountain men. We’ve got articles on rendezvous, mountain men’s lives, grizzly bear attacks, mountain men mules, and so on, and so on. I wanted to put together this list of good non-fiction books that can help people accurately learn about the mountain men as they read. If you are interested in learning about the intrepid trappers, I hope you find the ensuing list helpful. It’s not a comprehensive list, but should be a good place to start.
Best Mountain Man Books for Learning
The American Fur Trade of the Far West: By Hiram Chittenden
Comprehensive would be a lacking word to describe Chittenden’s classic detailing of the subject. Part one of the three-part series offers the reader a wonderful overall view of the history of the western fur trade. From its roots to early expansion, and Native American relations to famous trappers, this book covers it all. You could spend a few hundred (maybe a few thousand) dollars for a college course on the subject, or buy yourself a copy of Chittenden’s book and probably walk away with the same amount of information. Call me frugal, but I’ll take the book.
Firearms, Traps, and Tools of the Mountain Men: By Carl P. Russell
If you are interested in the firearms and equipage of the trappers, then this is one of the best mountain man books you can buy. Purely historical, Russell’s book doesn’t try and dilute the history with anything other than the facts. Lucky for the reader, he also doesn’t start the history of his subjects in the early 19th century. Instead, the author reaches back in time to explain the story of different gear from its historical roots. For example, when describing the traps used by the mountain men, Russell traces the history of iron-jawed traps back to the 16th century. Then, he brings the subject of traps forward to the period of the mountain men and provides nearly every detail on the subject the reader could possibly desire.
Journal of a Trapper: By Osborne Russell
Anyone looking to learn the reality of mountain man life would do well to pick up a copy of Osborne Russell’s Journal of a Trapper. In 1834, Russell hired on with Nathaniel Wyeth’s fur company and began what would be a nine-year odyssey trapping, hunting, fighting, and surviving in the Rocky Mountian region. While his journal is not the only primary source on the subject, Journal of a Trapper is perhaps the best one. Russell’s journal describes the geography, various Native American tribes, and wildlife, in addition to the details of mountain man life. If you are interested in the mountain man era and haven’t read Journal of a Trapper, you would do yourself a favor to pick up a copy of this timeless book.
Adventures of a Mountain Man: By Zenas Leonard
Another primary source, this one describes an array of adventures similar to those of Osborne Russell. However, one thing I personally appreciate about this journal is his description of a journey to California with Captain Joseph Walker. It helps to reinforce the reality that mountain men were more than just trappers, they were explorers who traversed between nations of many different people.
The Book of Buckskinning: By William Scurlock
Another “must-have” in any mountain man library is Muzzeloader Magazine’s The Book of Buckskinning. This seven-part series is a great resource for learning the history, equipage, and skills of the mountain men. While not dedicated specifically to the mountain man era, certain volumes do feature a variety of articles that do focus on the trappers. Of all the works identified in this list of best mountain man books, the Book of Buckskinning likely has the most utility.
Rocky Mountain Rendezvous: By Fred Gowans
Of course, if you want to learn about the Rocky Mountain trappers, one mandatory subject to understand is the rendezvous. I’d wager the best mountain man book at describing the rendezvous is this Fred Gowans book. Gowans, a former history professor at BYU, compiled a book that spans the entire breadth of the rendezvous system. He starts with historical information about why the rendezvous began and then breaks meticulously breaks down each and every rendezvous in its own chapter. Gowans did an excellent job in letting primary sources guide his writing, and he includes many journal entries describing the different rendezvous. Rendezvous were not just about mingling, drinking, and gambling, but of course, were important economic events as well. Gowans also describes the business deals that were transacted, as well as describes the economic reality of the trapper’s lives. For rendezvous junkies, it is a great book.
Jim Bridger: By Stanley Vestal
Really, you could put a number of Stanley Vestal books on this list. Vestal wrote prolifically about the American West in the 1930’s through 1950’s. The Jim Bridger book describes perhaps the most famous of the mountain men; Jim Bridger. Although non-fiction, Vestal’s writing style is easy to read. He doesn’t bore the reader to death with bland facts. Instead, all of Vestal’s books are more like an old professor sitting around the campfire telling stories as they were. If you’re looking for a good book about a famous mountain man, Jim Bridger is a good start.
Give Your Heart to the Hawks: By Win Blevins
Last but certainly not least, Blevins books is maybe one of my favorites on this list. Give Your Heart to the Hawks isn’t really non-fiction, but it’s definitely not fiction either. Instead, Blevins weaves facts and history into a deeply engaging and enjoyable book. Much like the Stanley Vestal books, Give Your Heart to the Hawks won’t make you think you are learning as you read. A must-read.
Hopefully, you found this list of my favorite mountain man books for learning helpful. While each of these books brings something unique to the table, each has its own topic it can help you understand. I especially encourage you to take the time and make the effort to read the primary sources. In my opinion, they are simply the best way to learn about history.
