Customer Reviews

Dorn of the Mountains

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It truly is a pleasure to read a novel in the form it was first envisioned by the author. with "Dorn of the Mountains", we get the opportunity to read "Man of the Forest", the way Zane intended. That, in itself, is a treat.

The novel takes us (and Milt Dorn), into a race against outlaws wanting to kidnap the daughters of a neighboring spread. Protecting the girls,and forced to rely on his knowledge of the mountains, Milt finds himself drawn closer than he dares.

Originally written in 1917 (country Gentleman), the book reflects the vernacular of the time period. However, as historical novels go, this is significant and well worth the read.

Enjoy.

Tim Lasiuta

Dorn of the Mountains is the novel, The Man of the Forest, by Zane Grey published as he wrote it before the editors got a hold of it. Five Star/Gale/Cengage is doing a wonderful thing by bringing out these Zane Grey masterpieces as he wrote them, so we as Zane Grey fans can "see" the real Zane Grey. It's a battle every writer fights when he writes something and wants to get it published--compromise. Even the great ones faced this, even after they became great. In the Man of the Forest version the lead male character is Milt Dale; here he is Milt Dorn. The reason for the change was this novel was first published in 1918 and angry German sentiment was running high because of the 1st World War. But in this book Zane Grey begins to relate his ideas on ecology and the loss of the natural resources; as well as telling us a story about a "loner" who is uncertain about his own future. Yet, when Helen Rayner appears to be in "real" trouble he leaves his solitariness to defend and befriend her, and her little sister who have come west to visit relatives, and escape a past. There are some good characters and characterizations in this book that lend creedence to the research of location and personage as only Zane Grey could do it. I HIGHLY recommend this version; it is far superior to the "original".