River and I (Bison Book) [Paperback]

John G. Neihardt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1968 | Series: Bison Book

Autobiographical journey down the Missouri River in 1908.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An exhilarating adventure story . . . also a significant description of life in the region [of the Missouri River] as it was . . . years ago, enlivened by humor, social criticism, and philosophic speculation."—Western American Literature

(Western American Literature )

"For pleasure reading, the story has much charm and interest. The reader gets the ‘feel’ of the journey but escapes its actual hardships."—Journal of the West

(Journal of the West )

"A memorable blending of poetry, realistic on-the-spot reporting, fur trade history, Greek mythology, and love for the river . . . that reaches a high-water mark in the literature of the West."—Denver Westerners Monthly Roundup

(Denver Westerners Monthly Roundup )

"It is hard not to be caught up in this enthusiastic young man’s glimpse of Americana."—Christian Century

(Christian Century ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

In 1908, the brilliant poet and writer John G. Neihardt traveled by canoe down the then-untamed Missouri River for fifty-six days. His account, rousing and elegantly reflective, showcases the long ago, fascinating world through which the mighty river passed. The River and I is at once a classic adventure tale, an enduring homage to the Old West, and a tale of an abiding love for a relentless river and those affected by it.

"The book is wholly admirable in style and story." -- New York Times?

"An exhilarating adventure story ... enlivened by humor, social criticism, and philosophical speculation." -- Western American Literature

"A memorable blending of poetry, realistic on-the-spot reporting, fur trade history, Greek mythology, and love for the river ... that reaches a high-water mark in the literature of the West." -- Denver Westerners Monthly Roundup --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press; 6th edition (December 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803251440
• ISBN-13: 978-0803251441
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,719,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The River and I, July 7, 2000

By 

William M Graetz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The River and I (Landmark Edition) (Paperback)

The River and I, chronicles in metaphoric imagery John Neihart's open boat navigation of the Great Missouri River for two thousand-miles, from Fort Benton, Montana down to Sioux City, Iowa. Originally commisioned for a magazine the book contains 25 photos and illustrations made on the trip.

Young Neihardt views the Missouri River in flood: ".... This cruel, invulnerable, restless giant.... This yellow, sinous beast with hell broth slavering from its jaws!... This dare-devil boy-god that sauntered along with a town in its pocket, and a steepled church under its arm for a moment's toy."