Ep. 546: The History of Adventure

April 29, 2024

Description

Steven Rinella talks with Peter Stark, Ryan Callaghan, Brody Henderson, Randall Williams, Phil Taylor, and Corinne Schneider. Topics discussed: Being an adventurer and then an adventure historian;...
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Books Referenced

Last Breath

Author: Peter Stark

Context:

Peter Stark's first book about various ways to die in the wilderness, featuring physiological explorations of death scenarios. Later discussed in detail around 01:12:48 where he explains it contains 'eleven Great Ways to Die in the Wilderness.'

Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire

Author: Peter Stark

Context:

Peter Stark's book about John Jacob Astor and the beaver trade/fur trade. Described as being about 'America's first homegrown millionaire.' Full title revealed at timestamp 49:36.

Young Washington: How Wilderness and War Forged the Founding Father

Author: Peter Stark

Context:

Peter Stark's book about George Washington's early years, focusing on his wilderness experience as an explorer. The book examines Washington's mistakes and experiences in his twenties. Full title revealed at timestamp 52:22.

Last Empty Places

Author: Peter Stark

Context:

Peter Stark's book profiling four unpopulated areas of the United States, which he calls 'blank spots.' This book led to his other historical works as he encountered the young George Washington while researching western Pennsylvania.

Gallop toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation

Author: Peter Stark

Context:

Peter Stark's newest book about the conflict between Tecumseh, the Shawnee war leader, and William Henry Harrison, examining their struggle over the future of the American frontier.

Arctic Dreams

Author: Barry Lopez

Context:

Steve mentions wanting to have Barry Lopez on the show before he died. He references a story from Arctic Dreams about a botanist working on a tussock and cataloging plant species, then standing up to see the enormity of the Arctic landscape.