The Story of the Trapper

"The Story of the Trapper" by Agnes C. Laut is a historical exploration that paints a lively picture of trappers in the American West and their major impact on both the fur trade and the mapping of new territories. Laut's book begins by throwing the reader straight into the intense world of the trapper, portraying them as daring adventurers who lived on the edge in the untamed wilderness. The story becomes one of constant clashes, as rival fur companies fought to dominate the profitable fur-rich regions of North America. Big historical happenings, like the Louisiana Purchase, and the influential roles of people like Alexander MacKenzie and John Jacob Astor, are also important in understanding the tough lives of these trappers as they operated in a rapidly changing America.