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Coming four years after The Dawn Builder (1910), John G. Neihardt's second novel portrays the lives of Black Hills miners and of those who preyed on them. Life's Lure takes up a theme that runs throughout Neihardt's work: the consequences of an inordinate desire for wealth. The protagonists come in sets of three. On one hand there are Samuel Drake, a hapless thirty-year-old who has just squandered his inheritance in a Deadwood card game; his fickle wife Joy; and Louis Devlin, a smooth-talking, fast-fingered gentleman gambler. Devlin is not above talking about philosophy; he even paraphrases Nietzsche. On the other hand are Monte Joe, a drunken scoundrel, Punkins, a young man fresh off the farm, guileless and easy pickings; and Nellie, a mining-camp prostitute. Women and gold lure men to go on living, but Fortune is "a capricious jilt." Neihardt puts a lot of colorful characters in motion and then, along with the reader, watches them collide.

Its beauty, its usefulness, and what it has done for the country "Tells the story of a four thousand mile trip by John G. Neihardt, the Nebraska poet. He tells his story well, and exercise, adventure and thrilling experience mingle and commingle in his tale. 'The River' is the Missouri." -The Independent Under this rather unusual title, John G. Neihardt, the Nebraska poet, tells the story of his descent of the Missouri in quest of exercise, adventure, and impressions. That he got all he bargained for, and perhaps a little more, is not to be wondered at. Being a poet as well as a man of action, the adventurer had an experience which his temperament and tastes qualified him to enjoy to the full - and his recital makes as thrilling a narrative as one is apt to find.

This volume is a continuation of the autobiography of John G. Neihardt...

Second anthology of poetry published by John Neihardt; well received

In 'The Song of Hugh Glass' by John G. Neihardt, the reader is transported to the American frontier of the early 19th century through the captivating story of survival and revenge. Neihardt's lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring to life the harrowing journey of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper seeking vengeance against those who left him for dead after a brutal bear attack. This book falls within the genre of historical fiction, blending fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of resilience and the wilderness. Neihardt's ability to seamlessly weave historical accuracy with creative storytelling makes this a must-read for fans of frontier literature. John G. Neihardt, a poet laureate and avid historian, was inspired to write 'The Song of Hugh Glass' after researching the real-life events surrounding Glass's survival in the wilderness. His expertise in Native American culture and frontier life shines through in the authentic portrayal of characters and settings. Neihardt's passion for preserving the stories of the American West is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to historical accuracy. For readers interested in a poetic and immersive exploration of the American frontier, 'The Song of Hugh Glass' is a literary masterpiece that offers a glimpse into the life and struggles of early pioneers. Neihardt's gift for storytelling and his deep respect for historical accuracy make this novel a captivating and enlightening read.

David C. Posthumus adds new clarity through his annotations, thus introducing John G. Neihardt's Eagle Voice Remembers to a new generation of readers and presenting a fresh understanding for fans of the original.