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About this product
Product Identifiers
PublisherRandom House Publishing Group
ISBN-100345390032
ISBN-139780345390035
eBay Product ID (ePID)1661672
Product Key Features
Book TitleSign-Talker : the Adventure of George Drouillard on the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Number of Pages480 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2000
TopicGeneral, Historical
IllustratorYes
GenreFiction
AuthorJames Alexander Thom
FormatHardcover
Dimensions
Item Height1.4 in
Item Weight27.5 Oz
Item Length9.6 in
Item Width6.5 in
Additional Product Features
Intended AudienceTrade
LCCN00-712888
Dewey Edition21
Reviews"James Alexander Thom . . . make[s] the story of North America come alive. He puts flesh and blood on forgotten names, and he breathes life into the stale past. He is probably the most important author of American historic novels writing today because he helps to interpret the distant past for the mind and interest of the modern reader." --JACK WEATHERFORD Author of Indian Givers From the Hardcover edition., "James Alexander Thom . . . make[s] the story of North America come alive. He puts flesh and blood on forgotten names, and he breathes life into the stale past. He is probably the most important author of American historic novels writing today because he helps to interpret the distant past for the mind and interest of the modern reader." --JACK WEATHERFORD Author of Indian Givers
Dewey Decimal813/.54
SynopsisIn his extraordinary body of work, James Alexander Thom does more than bring the past to life; he makes us experience history as if we were witnessing it for the first time. Thom's new novel is an enthralling adventure with fascinating real-life characters--and a heart-grabbing narrative that casts a vivid light on a momentous chapter in American history. Flint and Steel begins just after the Louisiana Purchase. Thomas Jefferson has sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to penetrate the newly acquired territory, journey up the Missouri River, cross the Rocky Mountains, and reach the glimmering sea in the far West. To survive, the two captains need an extraordinary hunter who will be able to provide the expedition with fresh game, and a sign-talker to communicate with the native tribes. They choose George Drouillard. It is Drouillard, an actual historical figure, who becomes our eyes and ears on this unforgettable odyssey. Drouillard, a metis raised among the Shawnee, cannot fathom what drives the two men. Nor can he help but admire their ingenuity and courage as they tackle the journey into the unknown. Along the way, he watches as they shrewdly shape and discipline their force, adding French-Canadian rivermen--to guide the expedition up the Missouri--and an Indian woman, Sacagawea, who will play a crucial role in negotiations with the Western tribes. After plunging into an unforgiving land and near madness, the triumphant achievement of two captains will be eclipsed by an overwhelming tragedy that will touch not only Meriwether Lewis and the frontier tribes but George Drouillard himself. A magnificent tale told with intelligence and insight, Flint and Steel is full of song and suffering, humor and pathos. James Alexander Thom has created the rarest reading experience: one that entertains us even as it shows us a new vision of our nation, our past, and ourselves. From the Hardcover edition.
Would be a better book w/o cursing and sexual subjects.
OK book with actual facts embedded into fictional drama. I bought this book with the intention of sharing with my children. However, due to the smattering of cursing and adult sexual interjections I relented. I understand wild men in wild days ( or just plain people everyday) but how can the x rated phrases increase sales or make it more appealing? Unfortunately I ordered Long Knife by same author before reading this book. The author A. THOM never responded about obtaining a hard cover for Long Knife as his website instructed. Needless to say, I now give thanks for the favor. I bought both books used and a lot cheaper than new. But cursing is acceptable to many so the author makes his $$$ ( but not from me who buys used books) and many don't care and wonder why their kids are disrespectful.
George Drouillard traveled with Lewis and Clark on their expedition to map the Northwest Territory. He communicated with the different Native tribes encountered on their travels. Just reading about the way the men survived is captivating. Sacagawea joined the men on their journey. This story about the travels keeps the reader involved.