Review --Blood and Treasure, Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier --5 stars

 Unlike my usual reviews of novels, this is a review of a biography of Daniel Boone.

The biography of one of the arguably most famous frontiersman and explorers, is presented by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin in the book entitled  Blood and Treasure, Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier.  It is a well-researched and well-written book with lots of research notes.

Much has been written about Boone and his exploits including a TV show from the mid-1960s lasting until 1970.  Even watching this show only provides a small glimpse of the man, his family, and his ambitions to go across the Appalachian Mountains. While the legend of the man was probably larger than life in some ways, his biography provides an intimate glimpse into the more mundane facts of daily life in the times.

Another thing that Blood and Treasure does is place Boone’s exploits and adventures in its space in the larger history.  These adventures were happening before the American Revolution, during the French and Indian War, and during the Revolution itself. Boone died in 1820 so lots of adventure came his way and much history was made both by him and others.

The authors provide a detailed glimpse into the character of the man and others of his time as well as living conditions during the times.  It is interesting that Boone did much traveling from the Yadkin Valley in NC over the mountains and beyond—not just once but several times.

For me, the background of Boone’s trip from Pennsylvania south was eye-opening as my own ancestors followed him south lagging by about 30 years.  But this early history meses well with my own research on the migration of the times down the Great Wagon Road. So many Europeans landing in Pennsylvania came south mimicking the route of Boone, my ancestors, and others.

Many biographies are filled with a plethora of dates and happenings and can become ponderous.  That is not the case with Blood and Treasure. To be sure there are lots of facts and figures, but the tome is not ponderous.  I would not say it is a quick read, but it was an enjoyable one.

The biography is great for those interested in the early history of the early frontier period of colonial American and then the earliest days of the United States.  It is also great for those who might have grown up watching or talking about Daniel Boone, the frontiersman.  His life is so interwoven with the country’s history to read like one. I would definitely recommend it as whatever your preconceived notions are, I’d opine you will change at least some of your preconceived notions of both Boone and the country’s history.