Trail Blazer's Historical Fiction
Author: Edwin L. Sabin
Publisher: George W. Jacobs & Company
Dates: 1918–1920
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LIEUTENANT PIKE IN COLORADO |
"Whether Sabin was contributing to the Trail Blazer series, published by J. B. Lippincott,
or to the Great West and the Range and Trail series, issued by Crowell, his plots were
ingenious and his research as meticulous as he could make it. He soon learned that historical
investigation was much like stepping into quicksand—the more one struggled to find
truth, the more one sank by the pull of endless problems and queries. He did the best he
could, scouring the country for primary sources and hard evidence. Perhaps no author of
juveniles of the day labored harder to base his work on facts, or what were believed to be facts."
The previous quote, from a
short biography of
Edwin L. Sabin's life, illlustrates what an outstanding historian he was. His historical
fiction, as well as his regular history stories are rich in detail. The dialogue, of
course, is sometimes made up, but even then, it abounds with authentic character
and accents. Almost all of Sabin's most notable work refer to to the conquest and
settlement of the American frontier, from the earliest colonial settlers in the
east to the Cowboys and Indians of the West.
His Trail Blazer's Series exemplifies the best kind of historical fiction. The
plot lines often feature a young lad who accompanies a famous historical character
on his feets of daring do. In the process, a very engaging, as well as historically
valuable story is told, and a great deal of information is absorbed effortlessly
on the part of the reader. The subjects of the Trail Blazers feature many of the
most famous heroes of the West, including Danial Boone, Davy Crocket, General Custer,
Zebulon Pike, Sam Houston, Kit Carson, and many others.
Into Mexico with General Scott by Edwin Sabin
This work of historical fiction follows the American Army under Winfield Scott during the Mexican-American War. The protagonist is a young man who joins the army and serves under second Lieutenant U. S. Grant. With the rest of the U.S. army, he participates in the landing of U. S. ships at Vera Cruz, and the march of 200 miles inland in order to capture the Capital city of Mexico and force a surrender. 141 credits
Opening the West with Lewis and Clark by Edwin Sabin
The primary character in this story is a pioneer boy who tags along with the Lewis and Clark expedition. The main character was raised by Indians after his family is killed and so is able to help the party as a translator. He describes the characters, sites and events of the expedition with great detail and interest. Although the story is fictional it is based on meticulous research and presents many true-to-life incidents associated with the famous expedition. 114 credits
With Lieutenant Pike by Edwin Sabin
This book tells the story of a boy, kidnapped by Indians as a youth, who joins the expedition of Lieutenant Pike as he travels down the Arkansas river towards the rocky mountains. During the expedition they travel to Colorado and discovered Pike's peak before becoming lost, and ending up in Spanish territory. Although the main character is fictional, most of the events depicted in the story are faithful to the real history of the Pike expedition. 114 credits
Gold Seekers of '49 by Edwin Sabin
This book follows the story of a young man who is lured to the territory of California during the gold rush of 1849. The first part the book covers his experience on a boat rounding the Cape of South America, and his introduction to the small town of San Francisco. His adventures in the gold fields themselves consume the second half of the book. Although the book is fiction, it accurately portrays the spirit of the California gold rush.134 credits
Adventures with Carson and Fremont by Edwin Sabin
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On the Plains with Custer by Edwin Sabin
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With Sam Houston in Texas by Edwin Sabin
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David Crockett: Scout by Edwin Sabin
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Buffalo Bill and the Overland Trail by Edwin Sabin
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