In his earlier book, Leviathan, Eric Jay Dolin offered a wonderfully readable history of whaling in America. His new book, an account of the fur trade in America is another great success. And as his subtitle suggests, this is an epic tale. Dolin guides readers through over 200 years of man’s quest for valuable pelts, especially beaver and buffalo. Much of the tale is surprisingly nautical, as early world powers vie for control of the abundant resources of the New World. Even the Pilgrims depended on the sale of beaver pelts! Later, the quest for fur moves ever farther west. Dolin’s book seamlessly connects the economic, cultural, and geographical threads of the fur trade. His overview of this key era is beautifully written. Mostly though, Dolin reminds us that history is the interconnected stories of people, and his book is packed with memorable characters. Shipboard scoundrels, mountain men, Indian captives, ruthless capitalists, even victims of grizzly bears — Fur, Fortune, and Empire has it all! Surely, Eric Dolin is one of America’s most gifted historians.

This event is brought to you courtesy of W.W. Norton.

Eric talks about his book:

Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America (Hardcover)

By Eric Jay Dolin

$29.95

ISBN-13: 9780393067101
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: W. W. Norton & Company, 07/01/2010

Quantity:

---