Splendid Wayfaring by John Neihardt is a captivating and immersive read that transports readers back in time to the days of fur trading and frontier exploration. Neihardt's vivid descriptions bring the rugged landscape of the American West to life, and his rich characters are both relatable and intriguing.

The protagonist, Jedediah Smith, is a compelling figure whose adventurous spirit and determination to carve out a life for himself in the untamed wilderness make him a truly engaging character to follow on his journey. As he encounters various obstacles and challenges along the way, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eager to see how he will overcome them.

Neihardt's writing is both poetic and powerful, drawing readers in with its beautiful prose and authentic depiction of the era. Splendid Wayfaring is a must-read for anyone with an interest in American history or a love of adventure stories. It is a masterpiece of historical fiction that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

Book Description:
Quote: "In the following pages I have told the story of that body of adventurers who, from 1822 to 1829, opened the way for the expansion of our nation beyond the Missouri. I have made Jedediah Smith the central figure of my story, for of all explorers of the Great West he was in many ways the most remarkable, though, heretofore, our school children have not even heard his name. In order to give the student a sense of the continuity of history, I have begun my narrative with a brief account of the movement across the Alleghenies and down the Ohio River after the Revolutionary War; and I have suggested the relation of westward expansion in America to the whole race movement from the beginning."