indianajane's review against another edition
4.0
This was well-written, enjoyable history. I knew nothing about Astoria, so I really enjoyed reading about it, and finding out at the end of the book how the author had come across the story.
juliana18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
jefffrane's review against another edition
5.0
Non-fiction isn't often "exciting" but this story of a magnificent effort (efforts, really) apparently long-forgotten, definitely qualifies. The fabulously wealthy John Jacob Astor hatched out a daring plan to create an empire centered at the mouth of the Columbia that would funnel the wealth of furs and pelts throughout the West and Northwest in trade with China, finishing the triangle by bringing Chinese luxury goods to NYC.
To that end, Astor coordinate two expeditions to the Columbia, one by land through territories essentially unknown to the Europeans, and another by sea around Cape Horn to help establish and supply the Columbia River outpost, eventually known as Astoria.
Stark captures not only the hazards and pitfalls faced by both parties, along with the diverse and often conflicting personalities of the men (and one woman) who had elected to join in this venture.
To that end, Astor coordinate two expeditions to the Columbia, one by land through territories essentially unknown to the Europeans, and another by sea around Cape Horn to help establish and supply the Columbia River outpost, eventually known as Astoria.
Stark captures not only the hazards and pitfalls faced by both parties, along with the diverse and often conflicting personalities of the men (and one woman) who had elected to join in this venture.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
A 2014 favorite recommended by Thomas.
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__SAstoria%3A%20John%20Jacob%20Astor__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__SAstoria%3A%20John%20Jacob%20Astor__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=pearl
ksultzer10946's review against another edition
4.0
Great narrative of the early history of Astoria and the big dreams of the man who started it.
kimberly_b's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fascinating read on the little-known story of the founding of Astoria and John Jacob Astor's global economic vision. In reality, Astor's name should be just as well-know today as Lewis and Clark's. However, through circumstances both out of his control and of his own making, Astor's achievements didn't turn out to be quite what he had envisioned. The tales of the overland and sea going parties of explorers were harrowing and engrossing. I typically find most of the non-fiction books I read to be slow and laborious; Astoria is the opposite of that.
I hadn't ever read a book by Stark, but I certainly will after reading this. I found his Acknowledgments and Afterward sections particularly interesting. I was just as captivated by the psychology of all the people in play as he was writing about them. 5 stars.
I hadn't ever read a book by Stark, but I certainly will after reading this. I found his Acknowledgments and Afterward sections particularly interesting. I was just as captivated by the psychology of all the people in play as he was writing about them. 5 stars.