Fiction. "Far more than a mere history novel, this book holds up a mirror for all Americans who read it. One sees in the mirror the western landscape coming alive, a sense of adventure, and the villainy that animated westward expansion. The story of Eliza Pelham is the story of those few humans who achieve some sort of triumph over their own problems and limitations. Neither superficial, predictable, nor optimistic, instead we find a steady and sober tone of personal responsibility - the possibility of leading a life worth living under extremely adverse circumstances. a must read for those who enjoy history as an exploration of our human condition" -E.A. Mares.