The Santa Fe Trail - (Historians of the Frontier and American West) by R L Duffus (Paperback)

About the Book

The lively history of this great trade artery is once more available.

Book Synopsis

Originally published in 1930 and now considered the standard work on the subject, this lively history is now available only from the University of New Mexico Press.

"A vivacious and accurate chronicle of one of the great highways of commerce."--Henry Steele Commager

"Best of this century on the subject; swift reading."--J. Frank Dobie

Review Quotes

In a popular treatment of this famous Western traffic artery, Duffus traces the trails development from the time of the Spaniards . . . through the early missionaries, prospectors and Indian traders to the nineteenth century. . . . "The Santa Fe Trail" is good social history. The monotony of trail life, the terror of Indian attacks, and the dangers caused by inclement weather are all nicely covered by Mr. Duffus. Moreover, the author has a feel for the trail itself; this work was obviously a labor of love.

Written with distinction and charm . . . Duffus has caught the spirit of the time and the color of the environment.

"In a popular treatment of this famous Western traffic artery, Duffus traces the trail's development from the time of the Spaniards . . . through the early missionaries, prospectors and Indian traders to the nineteenth century. . . . "The Santa Fe Trail is good social history. The monotony of trail life, the terror of Indian attacks, and the dangers caused by inclement weather are all nicely covered by Mr. Duffus. Moreover, the author has a feel for the trail itself; this work was obviously a labor of love."