Far Past the Frontier

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26234

Title

Far Past the Frontier

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in early 19th-century Ohio, this adventure tale follows two young pioneers, Return Kingdom and John Jerome, as they face the dangers of the wilderness. After a violent robbery by the notorious Big Pete Ellis, the boys are separated and must navigate hostile Native American tribes, wolf attacks, and survival challenges. Blending action with historical context, the story explores themes of courage, friendship, and the tragic tensions between settlers and indigenous peoples on the frontier.

Summary up to 500 words

In James A. Braden's *Far Past the Frontier*, two young boys, Return Kingdom and John Jerome, face the brutal realities of the American wilderness after a chaotic escape from a violent criminal named Big Pete Ellis. During the pursuit of the thief, the boys are separated; Return Kingdom is captured by Delaware Indians, mistaken for an enemy, and held prisoner until he escapes into the wild. Upon returning to their camp, they discover it has been abandoned and their horse, Jerry, killed by a mysterious shot. Reunited with their companion Tom Fish, the trio must navigate a landscape filled with wolves, bears, and hostile warriors led by Captain Pipe. The narrative highlights the escalating tensions between Native American tribes and encroaching settlers. Captain Pipe rallies his people for a large-scale war against the "Long Knives," citing the loss of their lands and the memory of past atrocities, such as the burning of Colonel Crawford. The boys encounter complex intertribal politics, including a dispute between the chief, Big Buffalo, and his rival, Fishing Bird. Despite the looming conflict and the savagery of the war dance, the boys attempt to maintain peace, offering gifts and arguing against unnecessary bloodshed. Captain Pipe acknowledges their innocence but remains determined to drive settlers back to the east before the Delaware homeland is lost forever. The story concludes with the boys realizing that their dream of westward expansion is threatened by the very dangers they hoped to avoid. They are forced to flee the village as the war party prepares to depart, leaving them to face the unpredictable and often deadly challenges of the frontier alone. The tale serves as a stark reminder of the harshness of frontier life, where survival depends on courage, cleverness, and the ability to navigate treacherous alliances.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg26234.epub

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Categories

• Western Fiction