Other editions of book Snowbound: The Tragic Story Of The Donner Party

As the loaded wagons rumble down the streets of Springfield, Illinois, an air of foreboding sweeps over those who watch the procession. The prosperous Donner brothers and their friend, confident in their preparations, are leading their numerous children and grandchildren on a treacherous 2,500-mile trek to California. Trusting an overly optimistic guidebook, the Donner Party sets out for the Promised Land in May of 1846 - unaware that they're following only rumor-fueled speculations. But after betting their lives on a bogus shortcut, the starving travelers soon struggle to survive the November snows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Praying for a miraculous rescue, 48 of the original 88 escape certain death by living off the flesh of their dead comrades. Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, acclaimed historian David Lavender has penned more than two dozen histories - many still considered the definitive works on their subjects.

1997, oversize paperback reprint, Scholastic, NY. 87 pages. Fascinating historical photos, illustrations. Author David Lavender has written many books on the West. This is an exceptional, well done account of what happened to a party of settlers headed West, who took a short cut, trying to make the trip to California easier. By the end of October 1846, they found themselves stranded at the edge of Sierra Nevada, with no food or supplies. Here is the famous story and what happened next. Fascinating.