[Gutenberg 3126] • On Horseback

Charles Warner made a witty and perceptive contribution to the world of nineteenth century American literature when he and Twain co-authored The Gilded Age, the book that gave the era its name. In 1887 Warner combined his urbane wit with a love of adventure travel when he penned On Horseback in Virginia. Always a keen observer, the roving author set out on horseback to investigate a great, rugged stretch of southern Appalachia. The extended equestrian journey took Warner from Virginia, through North Carolina, and into the remote hills of Tennessee. Additionally, the book contains a second narrative account of Warner s equestrian adventures in the Old West. This time he saddled up and rode from El Paso, Texas to Mexico City, Mexico. Both tales comprise a book full of meaty descriptions told by one of America s premier nineteenth century storytellers.