A Life Wild and Perilous

Mountain Men and the Paths to the Pacific

By: Robert M. Utley

Narrated by: Richard M. Davidson

If you have ever wondered what is was like to be an explorer in the unspoiled American West of the early 1800s, then this is the audiobook for you. Not only a groundbreaking work of American history by critically acclaimed author Robert M. Utley, A Life Wild and Perilous is also a dramatic story of innovation and survival. Here is your chance to live in the very heart of the American wilderness with legendary trappers and mountain men like Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, Tom Fitzpatrick, and Jedediah Smith. You will also see how these men played a major role in pushing our national frontier from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, and fulfilling our nation’s ideal of Manifest Destiny. Breathtaking in scope, yet filled with the seemingly small decisions that changed the course of a nation, A Life Wild and Perilous is a compelling and fascinating piece of Americana. Travelogue buffs and historians alike will delight in Richard M. Davidson’s inspired telling of how the West was really won.

©1997 Robert M. Utley (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

Get It Right!

The narrator needs to learn how to pronounce the Oregon River Willamette. So irritating. Other than that, it’s a good listen.

A good work on often forgotten group of men.

Though well researched, the book tries to cover too many men of the period. The result is short changing the audience of many rich details of each figure. I'd liken it to a highlight reel of a great game.

wonderfully written!

the book has a great and methodical flow to it. I loved every bit of it. It is a valuable resource to any who wish to know their mountain man history by heart.

LOVED this BOOK!

As a life-long resident of Colorado, living high in the majestic mountains along the Arkansas River, every chapter told of familiar names, places, stories and history known to and surrounding me. It was like visiting a time dear to my heart, viewing a land I know and love and discovering important details of historical figures whose names have been given to numerous mountains, passes, valleys, trails and rivers I hike or traverse often. I now know so much more about the historical Western US. As I travel this country and stand atop these mountains, I will remember these details with appreciation and awe that I can walk where these giants of Western history once tread. Richard Davidson was the perfect narrator for this book; made me feel a part of this story of the West I so love. Thank you, Robert Utley and Richard Davidson for the gift of history about a place I call home!

excellent detail

I enjoyed the book very much and recommend this title. the history of this era is fascinating.