Lady and the Mountain Man: Isabella Bird, Rocky Mountain Jim, and their Unlikely Friendship

Isabella Bird was advised by doctors to travel and take in fresh air to cure her illness. She visited Colorado and became acquainted with a local character named "Rocky Mountain Jim," who guided her up Longs Peak. Bird was 41 and single when she entered Colorado in 1873 and left a year later. Nugent was shot and killed less than a year later. This new book reveals the story of Bird's year in Colorado and her relationship with Nugent by re-examining her letters to her sister and placing her work in historical context.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 01 October 2021
\n Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
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Born in 1831, Isabella Bird experienced frequent illness throughout her childhood and early adulthood, leading her doctors to advise her to seek a life of travel and exposure to fresh air as a remedy. Embracing this guidance, Bird embarked on a remarkable journey that took her around the world.

During her time in Colorado, Bird was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado Plains, the serene valleys, and the majestic mountain parks that filled her with exhilaration. Her adventures took her to various destinations within the state, including Estes Park, where she spent most of her time. However, she also ventured to Garden of the Gods, explored the vast expanse of South Park, and visited numerous mining towns.

Bird's travels went beyond mere sightseeing. She actively engaged with the places she visited and the people she encountered, forming deep connections and meaningful relationships. In the Rockies, she met a local character known as "Rocky Mountain Jim," a one-eyed mountain man who became her guide on her ascent of Longs Peak. Jim Nugent, despite his rough appearance and questionable reputation, held a special place in Bird's heart, and she affectionately referred to him as her "dear desperado." It is evident that Nugent reciprocated her affection, as he expressed great admiration for Bird.

Bird's year in Colorado began on September 9, 1873, when she entered the state at the age of 41 and remained there until December 12, 1873. Less than a year later, on February 14, 1874, Nugent was tragically shot and killed. This new book aims to shed light on the story of Bird's year in Colorado and her relationship with Nugent by re-examining her letters to her beloved sister and placing them in the historical context of their time. Through these letters, readers gain a deeper understanding of Bird's experiences, her observations of the landscape and people she encountered, and the tragic turn of events that marked the end of her year in Colorado.

Isabella Bird's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of travel and the enduring impact of human connections. Her determination to pursue her dreams, despite facing health challenges, and her ability to form deep bonds with the people she met along the way are truly inspiring. This book offers a fresh perspective on Bird's life and work, providing a deeper understanding of her experiences and the significance of her contributions to the world of exploration and adventure.

\n Weight: 338g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781493045921\n \n