THE SHINING MOUNTAINS

First rate novel of the men who pushed our frontiers west, in a story of Matt Morgan, who dreamed of reaching the shining mountains, and who- left behind because of an accident- by Lewis and Clark, teamed up with Baptiste, lovable, irresponsible Frenchman, to explore the vastnesses of the Louisiana Territory. Conflict emotionally entered his life in the person of lovely Nora, to whom a home and stability meant everything -- except Matt himself. Good adventure, set in a meticulously drawn wide -flung wilderness, enough of history, as the Lewis and Clark expedition crossed paths, as Matt did his share to prevent success coming to Aaron Burr in his plot against his country, as Indian battles shifted alliances hither and yon. There's the pull of the unknown; there's much that is traditional in the story; but the characters are three dimensional; the pace of story keeps the reader going. Messner's big book, which will be backed by national advertising, circulars, etc. Plus sale for boys.