The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West

Once again, McCullough hits it out of the park! This is a quick and engaging read-particularly for those interested in the first American "northwestern" settlements around and along the Ohio River Valley. McCullough's unique syle of storytelling intertwines the words of the actors themselves with relevant anecdotal offerings to create a lively three dimensional story of the trials and successes, victories and defeats and the bonds and acrimonies forged between those who participated in the westward expansion of our nation. It insightfully unfolds the perseverance and heartaches that invariably accompanied such lifelong friendships and relationships. I recommend it particularly for those who, like myself, hail from the area and have only a passing knowledge of its rich and intriguing history. As a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School, home of the "Fighting Generals". this story elicited a particular resonance in me and brought to life places of significance that I literally grew up around and I dare say it will as well for those who didn't. Bravo!

This book will be greatly enjoyed by people who enjoy history as I did. Wonderful story. I really got involved in this book.

What a serendipitous meeting of historian and resources to result in the creation of this book! I say this as a native of Marietta, Ohio, who met most of the leading characters of this drama in grade school, yet never began to appreciate their true significance until seeing them come alive in these pages. I love the way McCullough tells this story, using abundant quotations and remembering to at least touch upon what was going on with the ladies. His treatment of the sad fate of the native Americans was brief but sensitive. Nor did he fail to note the ironic about-face of American views on big trees that followed the clearing of the land. All in all, I found The Pioneers to be one of the most informative and enjoyable reading experiences I've had in years. What a delight!