The River and I (Landmark Edition) [Hardcover]

John G. Neihardt (Author)

Book Description

Series: Landmark Edition | Publication Date: August 1, 1992

In 1908 John Neihardt (1881–1973) and two companions traveled the Missouri River—about two thousand miles—in a twenty-foot canoe. Originally published in Outing Magazine as a series of articles, The River and I describes their adventures on that wild waterway before it was dammed by the Army Corps of Engineers and points out storied sites along the shore. The result transcends journalism; Neihardt does for the Missouri what Twain did for the Mississippi. This Landmark edition makes available once more the book that was issued in 1910, two years before Neihardt began work on A Cycle of the West and twenty-two years before the publication of Black Elk Speaks.

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 the 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 the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 325 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (August 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803233353
• ISBN-13: 978-0803233355
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,727,107 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."