The Fist in the Wilderness

"The finest single-volume history of the fur trade to appear. The author has a bloodhound’s instinct for primary sources, and an above-average storytelling ability. Further, he corrects distortions."—Library Journal

"This book derives its importance not only from describing the fur trade . . . but also from the information it contains about frontier life, economic history, political and diplomatic activities, and, of course, the American Indian. This is a thorough effort of fine research, style, organization."—Choice

"The relations between Astor’s company, its domestic rivals, the government, the Indians, and the North West Company of Canada, are nowhere better described."—Journal of American History