Volume I of The Temple Buck Quartet
A coming-of-age story of the first two years of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, 1822-24. It is told in his own words by Temple Buck, an Ohio-born lad whose rollicking tale begins with growing up in the Ohio wilderness, how he is kidnapped aboard evil Mike Fink’s keelboat, is rescued by a beautiful St. Louis madam, and finally enlists in Ashley and Henry’s first expedition up the Missouri River to the beaver-rich Rockies and a wealth of adventure and undreamed-of new experiences. This painstakingly researched tale blends historical and fictional characters in a colorful tapestry of actual events spiced with bloody battles, Indian customs and characters, homespun humor, and earthy romance.
Praise and Reviews
Praise for Backbone of the World
"The plot and dialog have the ring of authenticity and from the outset the novel is an irresistible page-turner. Temple Buck has the spunk appropriate to a virile young adventurer. If you have enjoyed the fiction of Win Blevins and Terry Johnston, you will find a worthy continuation of the genre inBackbone of the World."
Eric Bye, Editor
Muzzle Blast Magazine
"...Henry has produced a meticulously detailed saga of the Rocky Mountain fur trade... through the eyes of his heroic adventure-seeking protagonist, Temple Buck... Henry has a ribald sense of humor, an accurate ear for dialect, and a genuine gift for sparkling characterization...These books belong on the shelf of any fur trade buff; for pleasure reading and reference"
Roundup Magazine
"... This is a novel,yes, but it is so absorbing that you'll completely forget that it isn't absolute fact....I recommend Backbone of the World very highly. I haven't enjoyed a novel about the fur trade as much as this one in quite a while."
Mike Nesbitt, MuzzleloaderMagazine
"Henry is a raconteur extraordinaire and an accomplished wordsmith. It is a pleasure to read his tale of Temple Buck, a character who immediately incites a reader's enthusiasm and affection. This is a fun book to read aloud with imaginative dialect, riveting narration, and abundant description of a world that evokes nostalgia and romance."
K. Sebastian
"History at its best. Great reference for people involved in living history."
C. Juday
