A coming-of-age story of the first two years of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, 1822-24. It is told in his own words by Temple Buck, an Ohio-born lad whose rollicking tale begins with growing up in the Ohio wilderness, how he is kidnapped aboard evil Mike Fink's keelboat, is rescued by a beautiful St. Louis madam, and finally enlists in Ashley and Henry's first expedition up the Missouri River to the beaver-rich Rockies and a wealth of adventure and undreamed-of new experiences. This painstakingly researched tale blends historical and fictional characters in a colorful tapestry of actual events spiced with bloody battles, Indian customs and characters, homespun humor, and earthy romance.The TEMPLE BUCK QUARTET A Rocky Mountain OdysseyVolume 1: Backbone of the World (1822-1824) Volume 2: Free Men (1824-1826) Volume 3: Shinin' Times! (1828-1833) Volume 4: Glory Days Gone Under (1833-1837)