Dream West [Mass Market Paperback]

David Nevin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000

The classic New York Timesbestseller back in print for a new generation T elling the amazing true story of famed explorer, John Charles Fremont, and his beloved supporter and muse, Jessie Benton, Dream Westmadethe New York Timesbestseller list and becamea CBS mini-series starring Richard Chamberlain. Nowavailable for the first time ever in trade paperback, Nevin`s epic of adventure and discovery displays the passion of an early explorer`s dream of the great unknown, and the love and perserverance that saw his dream come to life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A rousing, old-fashioned yarn, rich in detail and romance."--The New York Times on Dream West

"Big, wonderful . . .written with verve, authenticity, and a sure sense of our history."--John Jakes on Dream West

"To tell this story is to tell the story of the United States during the turbulent nineteenth century . . . A winner!"--Publishers Weekly on Dream West

"Masterful storytelling in the grand manner that will keep you turning pages until far, far into the night."--Denver Post on Dream West

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

DAVID NEVIN has spent more than twenty years researching and writing The American Story, a series of novels dealing with the history of the United States from 1800-1860. His books comprsing this era start with Dream West and include 1812, Eagle's Cry, Treason, and Meriwether.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 928 pages
• Publisher: Forge Books; 1st edition (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812539265
• ISBN-13: 978-0812539264
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,039,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dream West - A story of American Character, June 9, 2000

By 

Norm Barbera (U.S, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream West (Mass Market Paperback)

Dream West, by David Nevin, personalizes the American persona in Charles Fremont, an American Explorer from the mid 1800's. Fremont's character is exhibited in the historic journeys he undertakes in an effort to map the path to the western U.S. His determination, perservance and stubborn integrity is as heroic and tragic as Vincent Van Gogh.

Fremont's strength of character draws the reader west as surely as the pioneers of the early mid 1800's. His spirit and drive are matched by his wife's as they tackle the political establishment and the nay sayers of their time. They are one of the first enlightened couples of our country that find both personal and professional success.

Their personal triumphs carry them over and past any public setbacks. The contentment with which they approach old age leaves the reader with a love for the couple. The lack of public support for such magnificient people leaves a taste of cynicism toward the march of US history and the many less than gratious politicians.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Dramatic, May 12, 2002

By 

R. Gerlach "R. Marie" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dream West (Mass Market Paperback)

Author of the romantic historical, The Rebel's Pledge, a 5 star rated novel of the colonial period.

Dream West is one of the best novels I have ever read. It is powerfully and skillfully written. The story is based on truth about the brave men and women who forged westward. Dream West will move you, inspire you, and enrich your knowledge of America's history.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tale Of Adventure, June 17, 2003

By 

"p_trabaris" (Naperville, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream West (Mass Market Paperback)

DREAM WEST captures the spirit of the turbulent mid-1800's and the nearly forgotten stories centering around the remarkable Captain John Charles Fremont (the Pathfinder). This was a refreshing look at one of America's great explorers who pioneered and mapped much of America's western regions. This book includes such historic characters as: the legendary explorer Kit Carson, and Fremont's wife the famed novelist Jessie Benton Fremont, her father the famous Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, cameos appearances from almost every famous politician during the mid-1800 through the Civil War (Lincoln, Grant, Polk, Clay, etc.).

John Charles Fremont was one America's most magnetic personalities. Just to list a few of many remarkable accomplishments, such as:
* He was California's first Governor (albeit for a very short period).
* After California's statehood is approved he was the first Senator for California.
* Became rich during the famed gold rush. Later lost it in a swindle.
* On the Republican ticket as an antislavery advocate he ran for President in 1956,. In fact he becomes a perennial presidential candidate.
* He achieves the rank of major general during the Civil War where he loses most of his battles and resigns.
* Later he becomes a Governor of Arizona and passes much ground breaking legislation.

The only complaint I have with this book (very minor) is the author's lenient treatment of Fremont's war record. In fact Fremont was demoted because he couldn't beat Stonewall Jackson. He lets Fremont off rather easily. Notwithstanding, John Charles Fremont truly was an extraordinary man. This story captures his spirit.