This first-person account of an 1849 journey along the southern Gold Rush trails was written by Goulding, a surgical instrument manufacturer, and details the people, scenery and wildlife he encountered along the way. The author was considered one of the most highly educated and literate pioneers ever to make this journey, and he provides a vivid account of such subjects as Native Americans, Hispanics, the desert and the "feisty" New York Knickerbockers. Etter (curator, U. Libraries, Arizona State U.) provides annotations and an introductory essay. We congratulate Oklahoma on attracting this revered publisher of western Americana. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
