Overview

In the spring of 1860 on the eve of a civil war that threatened to tear the country apart, two Americans conceived of an audacious plan for linking the nation’s two coasts, thereby joining its present with its future. All that stood in the way was a 1,900 miles of uninhabited desert, ice-capped mountains, oceanic plains roamed by hostile Indian tribes, whitewater-choked rivers, and rugged, unsettled frontier wilderness where civilized” men where outnumbered a million to one by grizzlies, mountain lions, wolves, bison, rattlesnakes, and more. Many deemed their revolutionary scheme impossible. Run by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, the Pony Express as it came to be known, would use a relay system of daring horseback riders to ferry mail and small packages halfway across a continent in just ten days. The challenges they faced were enormous, yet the Pony Express succeeded, delivering tens of thousands of letters at record speed. The service would quickly become the most direct means of communication between the Eastern United States and its Western territories, helping to firmly connect them to the union. West Like Lightning traces the development of the Pony Express and follows it from its start in St. Joseph, Missouri—the edge of the civilized world in the mid-nineteenth century—1,500 miles west to Sacramento. Jim DeFelice—who traveled the Express’s route in his research—plumbs the legends, myths, and true facts of the service, viewing it within the context of the American story and exploring its lasting relevance today. Though the Pony Express was eclipsed by the telegraph in less than two years, it remains today an enduring symbol of American values: rugged individualism, perseverance, and speed.

Full Product Details

9780062496768

Table of Contents

Reviews

The Pony Express lasted just nineteen months. Yet in that short time, its visionary proprietors and lionhearted riders carved out a place in the American imagination as big as the 1,900 miles of prairie, mountains, and desert the fabled mail line traversed. Whether riding along vicariously, or retracing the old route over modern highways, Jim DeFelice's West Like Lightning is a great place to start. -- MARK LEE GARDNER, author of <em>Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, His Cowboy Regiment, and the Immortal Charge Up San Juan Hill</em>

West Like Lightning is sure to stand amongst the great popular histories of the west. ... A wild ride. -- Tombstone Epitaph A groundbreaking work on the Pony Express. ... The first comprehensive history of the legendary transcontinental experiment in mail delivery in sixty years. ... Like the Pony Express riders themselves, DeFelice paces the dramatic story with alacrity and diligence. -- True West This rollicking account of the daring enterprise known as the Pony Express brings its era and its legendary characters to life. -- <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em> Incredible true stories of [Pony Express] riders' exploits and more. -- New York Times The most romantic chapter of the Old West may well be that of the Pony Express. The story of intrepid young riders dashing across the prairie, pitting themselves against Indians, accidents and bad weather never fails to thrill readers. West Like Lightning ... takes on the whole Western frontier. -- Denver Post DeFelice shares how he retraced the Pony's steps, fully immersing himself into the lore and legends of hte historic ride. ... On his journey, he manages to separate fact from fiction-and uncover a darker side to the venture. -- Parade West Like Lighting reads like the title-a fast-paced narrative of the Pony Express. ... One can hear horse hooves pounding across the prairie and sense the fear and courage and excitement of dashing young men. -- TOM CLAVIN, <em>New York Times</em>-bestselling author of <em>Dodge City</em> and co-author of <em>The Heart of Everything That Is</em> A wild ride ... rendered in fine, thrilling detail.. ... Delightful. -- Publishers Weekly This wonderfully vivid, accessible, and documented account of the Pony Express is a legendary American adventure story. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal DeFelice brings [the Pony Express] to galloping life. ... Fans of frontier history and lore will relish the incomparable stories he relates. -- Booklist A lively history of the short-lived but much-evoked Pony Express. ... Good stuff for Western history buffs. -- Kirkus Reviews

The Pony Express lasted just nineteen months. Yet in that short time, its visionary proprietors and lionhearted riders carved out a place in the American imagination as big as the 1,900 miles of prairie, mountains, and desert the fabled mail line traversed. Whether riding along vicariously, or retracing the old route over modern highways, Jim DeFelice's West Like Lightning is a great place to start. -- MARK LEE GARDNER, author of <em>Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt, His Cowboy Regiment, and the Immortal Charge Up San Juan Hill</em> A lively history of the short-lived but much-evoked Pony Express. ... Good stuff for Western history buffs. -- Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

JIM DEFELICE is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including West Like Lightning, American Sniper (with Chris Kyle), and American Wife (with Taya Kyle). He lives in the Hudson Valley.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available