What I Saw in California

By Edwin Bryant

Book Overview

First published in 1848, What I Saw in California has long been recognized as the foremost trail guide for the Forty-niners. Almost overnight, Edwin Bryant became their authority on how to survive the grueling passage from Independence, Missouri, to San Francisco, and how to prosper in the Promised Land. He also served as a literary model for the diarists among them. His popular book was based on journals describing fully his "tour" west in 1846. For the Kentucky newspaperman, it had been an undertaking with an uncertain outcome, since the overland trail was still faint and the fabled, remote California was then in political turmoil. In fact, Bryant's party had headed straight into the Mexican War. For today's reader, What I Saw in Califorinia is more than a trail guide. It is a valuable primary source of information about the westering experience. In sharp detail, the book portrays births, weddings, and deaths on the trail and the strategies of men and women desperately trying to survive in the adventure of their lives. It introduces such figures as William H. Russell, Joseph Walker, John Charles Fr mont, and Stephen Watts Kearny, and includes an early account of the Donner tragedy and of the kaleidoscopic life in California immediately following the American conquest. Its language fixes the restless, feverish wandering that characterized Edwin Bryant and so many of his generation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803260709
• ISBN13: 9780803260702
• Release Date: May 1985
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 455 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating

This book could have been called "Calibre of Heroes." It is not a page turner. The end of each chapter will not leave you breathless. But if you're interested in the people who traveled the Overland Trails, this is the book to read. You will get an inside and in-depth look into the daily struggles of the men and women who risked it all, and sometimes lost it, as they scratched, clawed, and fought their way west in search of a better life. "What I Saw in California" is a stirring reminder of the courage, spirit, and fierce independence of those who forged a great nation. Frank Allan Rogers, author Upon A Crazy Horse

Fantastic Detail!

As a student of the Overland experience and a resident near the original trail in Nevada County I was just fascinated by this wonderful account. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and have given it as a gift to other early West enthusiasts.

Masterpiece

Edwin Bryant's work is a classic not only of overland travel in 1846 but also of life in early California during the same time period. The Kentucky newspaperman's writing style approaches poetic composition. He was a keen observer of every minute detail on the trail and when in California: Geography; Indians; weather; describing the many people along the route; river fordings; acting the part of doctor to the many ailing emigrants; traveling with the Donner party; he and a handful of men separating from the main wagon train in Fort Laramie to go it alone; the perils, mishaps, hazards and beauty of the trail; meeting several celebrated individuals including Joseph Walker, Fremont, Sublette, Hastings, Hudspeth and Kearney to mention a few. When in California, Bryant walked right into the United States' conquest of California from Mexico. He was a volunteer in Fremont's army to thwart insurgents. These and other timely events are well depicted. Bryant's description of what happened in the horrific Donner party expedition are piercing. This is an exceptional book and highly recommended for enthusiasts of the early west.

Great! This book should be a text book!

In his own words Bryant describes his life on a wagon train going to California from the East Coast. If Bryant had a fault, it was that he too descriptive of the trail and events on the trail! If this wasn't enough, he was a doctor of the day, well, in his words, "Almost a Doctor." He was going to California to complete his studies. Like any good intern, he kept notes of who he treated on the trail and how he treated them. Also, being a bachelor, he was invited by the father of an eligible daughter to travel with them, "to let nature run it's course." This book should be a text book on the high school or the collegiate level.