A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (Economy Editions) [Paperback]

Isabella L. Bird (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2003 | Series: Economy Editions

In 1873, a middle-aged Englishwoman toured the Colorado Rockies on horseback — alone, for the most part. Painting an intimate portrait of the "Wild West," Bird wrote eloquently of flora and fauna, isolated settlers and assorted refugees from civilization, vigilance committees, lynchings, and the manners among the men she encountered in the wilderness.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Isabella Bird was a nineteenth-century English traveler, writer and natural historian. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover ed edition (April 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486428036
• ISBN-13: 978-0486428031
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #969,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High adventure, December 7, 2006

By 

Bomojaz (South Central PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (Economy Editions) (Paperback)

This is one of the best known and most highly respected travel accounts of a foreigner to the western region of the United States during the 19th century. Isabella Bird, a spinster world traveler, upon returning to her native England from an excursion to Hawaii, decided to stop in America and make a three-month tour of the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado. In a series of letters written to her sister in England, Ms. Bird told in fascinating detail her experiences during this "tour."

Going by train from San Francisco to Cheyenne (except for a brief hiatus near Truckee Pass, which she traversed by horseback), she was in Fort Collins, Colorado, by September 10, 1873. Her travels took her to Denver, Colorado Springs, South Park, Boulder, and Estes Park, where she climbed Longs Peak. Her observations, whether about the people she encounters or the natural wonders all about her, are acute, objective, and highly personal. She will complain about the annoying insects in one letter and then calmly relate taking a tumble off her horse when surprised by a bear in another. She is astounded by the natural beauty of the region and never seems to get enough of it; she also believes, as the saying then went, that "there is no God west of the Missouri," and that the "almighty dollar is the true divinity" (these observations made while in Denver). She recognizes the (especially) English prejudice against all things American, and refuses to go along with it. What makes Ms. Bird's book so enduring is the direct though lighthearted tone she maintains: she is an astute observer but never gives the impression she's "studying" the people or places she sees. The book can be read often and will remain entertaining each time. It's a classic - in a good sense of that word. Highly recommended.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life in 1873, September 26, 2006

By 

G. K. Sauer (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (Economy Editions) (Paperback)

In 1873 a middle-aged Lady Bird, acklaimed horsewoman, spent the fall through winter travelling in the Rocky Mountains. As a 10 year resident of Colorado Springs and growing up riding, I was intrigued by her travels. What most people find amazing about this book are her very detailed and beautiful descriptions of what she saw. I have to agree, I did find myself wallowing within what she saw. Especially, since I have seen many of the places (in modern day) that she went. What I, myself, found truly interesting was how she describes in her rather off-hand, like it's mundane, way about the daily hardships she and the settlers had to endure. This isn't the old Grandpa had to walk 10 miles, up hill, in 10 feet of snow, in 60 below weather, both ways to school. It's a true representation of what "Grandpa" had to endure. It breeds a new-[t][/t]found respect for our ancestors and makes one wonder, "Could I endure it?".

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful American West adventure book - and a lady hero!, December 6, 2009

By 

W. C. Wiseman (Winchester, Ky USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (Economy Editions) (Paperback)

This is one great book! Adventure - the wild times in 19th Century Colorado, and it's all told by one heck of a lady!
Men will enjoy the book, but it will be an inspiration to young women today!
I bought a copy years ago - lost it after some time. I HAD to buy another copy for my library! It's that good.
I bought a copy for my grand daughter who is 16... hoping it will inspire her to greater things in life.