Synopses & Reviews
From glacial floods that began to shape the Columbia River twelve thousand years ago to its discovery, conquest, and colonization by the English, Spanish and Americans, the story of this river encompasses not only the full range of American history, but also a geography of myth, hope, and tragedy. Clark surveys the meaning and history of this great river running through the American imagination as well, while providing an unforgettable portrait of the people who lived an died on the Columbia's banks—conquered native peoples, European adventurers, New England missionaries, emigrants from the drought-ridden Midwest, and dreamers seduced by hydropowered New Deal promises of peace and prosperity.
Review
"Full of richly textured prose, his account unfolds a sweeping panorama of character studies of individuals whose lives were deeply touched by the river's awesome power and beauty." Booklist
Review
"This book's glory rests in Clark's writing, which is as fluid as the river he explores." Library Journal
Review
"Dazzling...Clark involves himself with those whose hearts, souls and legends are linked inexorably with the great river's course through time." The Oregonian
About the Author
Robert Clark is also the author of the novel
In the Deep Midwinter (Picador) and a biography of James Beard,
The Solace of Food. He lives in Seattle, Washington.