Books: Pathmarker

NARRATIVES OF EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE (532 pp.)—John Charles Frémonf, edlted with an Introduction by Allan Nevins—Longmans, Green ($8.50).

It is possible that only the vigorous exercise of bad judgment kept John Charles Fremont from becoming one of the authentic giants of U.S. history. His behavior in California during the Mexican War led to court-martial for mutiny, disobedience and conduct prejudicial to order, and his resignation from the Army. His search for a railroad route through the Southwest ended in disaster because he would not listen to men who knew better than he did the dangers of midwinter in the mountains. He was...

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