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THE SILVER MOUNTAIN by Dan Cushman Kirkus Star

THE SILVER MOUNTAIN

By

Pub Date: Oct. 22nd, 1957
Publisher: Appleton-Century-Crofts

The author, who has previously captured the flavor of bygone Western times, recounts here a saga of adventurers, their women and their search for quick fortunes in the mining country of Colorado and Montana during the latter part of the 19th century. John Ballard was a man who had contempt for the mob because he had risen above it. He had made his way westward from the coal mines of West Virginia, unresistant about cash commitments and ventures undertaken. The meeting of Ballard and Grattan O'More was fateful for their temperaments meshed ideally -- O'More, the Irish politician and Ballard, the clever manipulator. Neva Rush, the daughter of a prospector, ever on the verge of a ""find"", was the prize both men sought and whom neither could ever completely possess. Partly, this is the story of a great mining era, of the silver strike which made Ballard and O'More rich and which paved the way for Ballard's political seekings when his silver ambition had been satisfied. Partly, this is the story of silver and agrarian politics in the time of Wm. Jennings Bryan. But, more important, this novel of a lusty way of life offers insight into character and the mural-type scenes and events which dominated men but which could be molded if the men were strong enough.