Absaroka War Chief

Chapter 2

James Beckwourth is considered prominently in the pantheon of his era by historians, but his name is virtually unknown to the general public. This is despite having left a detailed autobiography of his exploits in “The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.” The reason for his relative obscurity can be guessed at, but regardless, I will consider it a great accomplishment if I raise awareness of this amazing man, as well as entertain my readers.

I would like to thank several people who have helped me in this endeavor. First, my long time beta readers, Toni Edwards and Andrew Shaner, for their valuable input reading and rereading progressive drafts. I would like to thank Sam Pisciota and Bill Gwaltney for reviewing an early draft and lending their expertise on Beckwourth and his era, and to Angie Thomas of The Museum of the Mountain Man for putting me in touch with them. Similar input from Glenn Laird helped flesh out aspects of firearms of the time. I would also like to thank my three developmental editors for their very valuable advice and encouragement: Bill Thompson, Sara Anne Fox, and Michael Ray Brown.

Readers who are intrigued by the history that underlies this fiction may want to refer to my notes at the end, which give an overview and chapter-by-chapter account.