'Splendid Wayfaring' Summary

John Neihardt's 'Splendid Wayfaring' is a compelling narrative of the pioneers who ventured westward from the Missouri River into the uncharted territories of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The book's central figure is Jedediah Smith, a daring explorer and fur trader whose adventures and exploits epitomize the spirit of the American frontier. Neihardt follows Smith's journey as he leads expeditions across the West, encountering Native American tribes, braving harsh landscapes, and establishing vital trade routes. The book vividly portrays the challenges and triumphs of these early pioneers, their encounters with nature, and the complex relationship between the expanding American nation and the indigenous people who already inhabited the land. Through Smith's story, Neihardt paints a vivid picture of the westward movement and its lasting impact on American history.