The great thrill of exploration and discovery, as well as harrowing adventures and disasters were experienced by the brave American men in the 1810-1812 Astor Expedition to Oregon. Travelling by land and by sea, with the hope of setting up a fur trading center for the powerful John Jacob Astor, these men endured incredible hardships and starvation. In spite of the difficulties described, the book was a catalyst that inspired a generation of pioneers to pursue their own way to the Northwest. Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Rip Van Winkle, was a masterful writer who was especially good at conveying the vastness and dangers of the wilderness. - Summary by Carol Pelster