With over one hundred photographs, Cathy Luchetti tells the story of growing up in an awe-inspiring yet harsh landscape. The children of the West took after their rugged and individualistic parents—they grew up learning determination along with their prayers. But there was fun to be had, from tumbling down haystacks to grasshopper races, or a tea party with corncob dolls. Large families bustled with chores and chastisement, and there was endless opportunity for mischief among siblings. The West attracted families from all over the world, bringing black Exodusters, Spanish rancheros, Asian immigrants, and American Indians into lively, and often painful, proximity—their stories made even more poignant through the lives of their children. Children of the West reveals the bygone lives of the families who populated the pioneer West, as described in their own words in letters, diaries, and journals. We come close to them through their worries and joys. The photographs draw us even closer as we see the face of family life in the changing West. 110 b/w photographs.
Children of the West: Family Life on the Frontier FROM THE PUBLISHER With over one hundred photographs, Cathy Luchetti tells the story of growing up in an awe-inspiring yet harsh landscape. The children of the West took after their rugged and individualistic parents—they grew up learning determination along with their prayers. But there was fun to be had, from tumbling down haystacks to grasshopper races, or a tea party with corncob dolls. Large families bustled with chores and chastisement, and there was endless opportunity for mischief among siblings. The West attracted families from all over the world, bringing black Exodusters, Spanish rancheros, Asian immigrants, and American Indians into lively, and often painful, proximity—their stories made even more poignant through the lives of their children. Children of the West reveals the bygone lives of the families who populated the pioneer West, as described in their own words in letters, diaries, and journals. We come close to them through their worries and joys. The photographs draw us even closer as we see the face of family life in the changing West. 110 b/w photographs. Author Biography: Cathy Luchetti has written many award-winning books, including Women of the West, Home on the Range (winner of the James Beard Award), and Medicine Women. She lives in Oakland, California.
FROM THE CRITICS Harriet Rochlin Readers will find it as absorbing as Grandma's long-hidden diary.
JoAnn Levy A frequently amusing, occasionally frightening, invariably fascinating look at who we wereżżżand an absolutely essential addition to the western bookshelf.
Claire Rudolf Murphy [A] dynamic contribution to the history of the West.
Peggy Vincent It's a gem as priceless for today's reader as a healthy child was for the pioneer family.
Booknews About 100 b&w photographs and text by author Cathy Luchette tell the story of the hardships and triumphs of living in an awe-inspiring yet harsh landscape, as described in their own words in letters, diaries, and journals. She reveals how couples created farms and ranches in the rugged frontier, and how their children took after their strong and individualistic parents, learning determination with their prayers. She also looks at the lives of the black Exodusters, the native Spanish who created wealthy rancheros, and the Chinese and Japanese who sought greater economic opportunities than they could find in their homeland. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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