John Sutter and a Wider West - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803235607 ISBN 13: 9780803235601

Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, 1994

Synopsis

This volume begins with John Sutter's own account of his life and the discovery of gold at his sawmill in 1848. Leading historians Howard R. Lamar, Albert L. Hurtado, Iris H. W. Engstrand, Richard W. White, and Patricia Nelson Limerick then demythologize Sutter while giving him a more secure place in western history.

About this title

Review:

"These five essays are well written, lively in their images, and valuable as fresh (even politically correct) interpretations of the familiar, weary tale of Sutter, a man too long glorified at the expense of our knowing and appreciating some of his contemporaries."-California History California History "This admirably balanced, succinct, and polished book concedes only that Sutter was 'the last and most dramatic of a familiar type of frontier entrepreneur who helped develop North America.' Moreover, it was a type that fulfilled its ultimate destiny by failing: succumbing economically to the impact of settlement. Yet the book also suggests that with an airing of the full facts, Sutter is freed from the tedium of his one-dimensional legend and restored to full humanity as a vital and fascinating individual."-Times Literary Supplement Times Literary Supplement

Synopsis:

Since the discovery of gold at Sutter's sawmill in 1848, the historical figure of John Sutter has been obscured by his very notoriety. Yet, as demonstrated by the perceptive, freshly-conceived essays in this collection, reappraisal of his full career rewards us with important new insights concerning the Euro-American development of the American West. This volume begins with Sutter's own account of his American experience. Five leading historians then consider particular aspects of his activities: Howard R. Lamar presents Sutter as an entrepreneur; Albert L. Hurtado examines his management of Indian allies and Indian workers; Iris H.W. Engstrand sheds new light on Sutter's relationships with women and children; Richard W. White discusses his role in reshaping northern California's natural environment; and Patricia Nelson Limerick considers Sutter as a prototype for failure in the American West. Demythologizing Sutter while giving him a more secure place in western history, the collective portrait exemplifies revisionist scholarship at its best. Kenneth N.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0803235607
• ISBN 13: 9780803235601
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 138
• Editor: Owens Kenneth N.