The tragedy of the Donner party constitutes one of the most amazing stories of the American West. In 1846 eighty-seven people—men, women, and children—set out for California and were persuaded to attempt a new overland route. After struggling across the desert, losing many oxen, and nearly dying of thirst, they reached the very summit of the Sierras only to be trapped by blinding snow and bitter storms. Many perished; some survived by resorting to cannibalism; all were subjected to unbearable suffering.
Incorporating the diaries of the survivors and other contemporary documents, George Stewart wrote the definitive history of that ill-fated band of pioneers—an astonishing account of what human beings may endure and achieve in the final press of circumstance.
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"An incredibly well-written and comprehensive history of the Donner Party, complete with a roster, itinerary, and maps. Anyone interested in the Donner Party or early Californian history should check out this book. It reads like a novel. " — Serra (5 out of 5 stars)
"An incredibly well-written and comprehensive history of the Donner Party, complete with a roster, itinerary, and maps. Anyone interested in the Donner Party or early Californian history should check out this book. It reads like a novel. "
“Ordeal by Hunger is compulsive reading—a wonderful account, both scholarly and gripping, of a horrifying episode in the history of the west.”
“Excellent.”
“The tale comes to life in horror and tragedy. Stewart writes swiftly, surely, dramatically, and with impartial accuracy. Almost every member of the party is re-created with skill and sympathy.”
“Expertly read by Jeff Riggenbach, the tale retains its freshness and power 150 years later. Riggenbach reads the stark story with authority, clarity and richness.”
“Riggenbach’s professional, unvoiced presentation provides the appropriately serious reactions and allows the listener to deal with the facts with compassion. Although grisly, the account is sympathetic and not ghoulish. Carefully researched, it illustrates how unbelievably strong the will to survive is.”
" Good read. Total downer. "
" Yucky and fascinating all at the same time. You would think once would be enough...but I think I've read this one three times. "
" Like many people, the experience of the Donner-Reed Party has me with its tragic and horrific events. Reading this did nothing to curb my fascination and fixation; in fact, it may have intensified it. "
" I'm sure that I read this when I was in high school, but I re-read it again. Sad story...glad I was not a pioneer. "
" A solid account of one of the most harrowing stories from the Westward expansion. "
" The tragedy of the Donner party in 1846. A GREAT book! "
" I don't remember when exactly I read this book, but I came across it the other day and remebered it as being good and very haunting. The title Ordeal says it all. "
" Very text book type book. Good information just slow reading. I made it literally half way through the book and I am tired of reading about them. It is interesting information but I need some action. I may finish this at a later date. "
" Good job of conveying the horrible ordeal the Donner Party went through. The author's descriptions got a bit "flowery" at times, but was also a bit "terse" at others. "
" depress me more please ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh "
George R. Stewart (1895–1980) taught for more than fifty years at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Pickett’s Charge, Earth Abides, and numerous other books of history, biography, and fiction.
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.
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