Book Review: Kit Carson & His Three Wives

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Kit Carson & His Three Wives     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Marc Simmons
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Western   Biography

According to the preface, this short book is intended to be one of a series of books on aspects of Kit Carson's life. Illuminating the life of a person by examining those around him, and his relationships with them is an interesting approach. The main difficulty with it, in this case, is the lack of information in the historical record, particularly about the first two wives, Waa-nibe and Making Out Road. There is somewhat more information available on Josepha, the third wife, although even in her case, there are many gaps in the record. All too frequently, the author is forced to use "could well have been", "might have been" and similar phrases since there is no certainty as to what actually happened, much less what the emotions and responses of the people concerned were. It is to his credit that he does describe so many situations in terms of uncertainty instead of claiming certainty.

The text is very readable, even for a lay person. It provides a feeling for the context in which Carson created and led his family life, and is both interesting and accessible for readers with an interest in biography and history.

The book also contains photographs, and an index, notes, and bibliography for those interested in further study.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM