Charbonneau (1805-1866) was a man of two worlds, Anglo/Indian and genteel/frontiersman. How he balanced those differences made him an extraordinary person in the American West. Sacagawea's son, he rode in his Shoshone mother's cradleboard for 4,000 perilous miles with Lewis and Clark (1804-06), but that was only his beginning. The extensively researched text, based on documents gathered from archives, libraries and historical societies, places him in major events throughout the 19th century West. Personal relationships, period customs and conflicts are revealed, along with some controversial interpretation. The extraordinary connection between the Charbonneau family and William Clark also is explored. The fast-paced book will inspire those who love the West and want to know more about key figures. Followers of the Charbonneau family, Clark, Indian history and culture, and those who embrace the natural western environment will thoroughly enjoy the book.. Please note: the writing style and thematic approach of this book are suitable for a wide audience, including students from age 15 to those with advanced knowledge of the era. "He was a man before his time, a model of diversity . . . and lived a life that many only dream about." Dr. David Diaz, Author "This is the epic story of an extraordinary American, not fully revealed until now." Larry M. Stewart, Author "It is remarkable how one person could be so involved in the history of the American West." Jean M. Klausner, Educator
Michael Lance Ritter was born in Tyler, Texas. He has lived in Oklahoma, Colorado, San Francisco, the Sierra gold country and now the Sonoma wine country, USA. He has spent 30 years studying the historical geography, settlement pattern and ecology of the American West.
Michael earned an MA degree in history at Sonoma State University and was a Fellow in the PhD program at the University of California, San Diego, studying the American West under Earl Pomeroy, PhD. He has been a parent, teacher, editor, screenwriter, entrepreneur and world-class athlete.
Michael is a member of the Western History Association, Western Writers of America, Robinson Jeffers Association and Association for the Study of Literature & the Environment.
