The Story of the Pony Express: in large print

This fascinating look at the Pony Express lays out the history and reasons why this was a needed service and much welcomed. The overland route from East to West coast of America carried news, bank affairs, money, letters and newspapers among other matters. The other route was generally down through the Panama isthmus using a boat on each side and overland trail. Of course, this was cut off by the Civil War, so the time was right for a rider mail route through Utah and over mountains.The British sent official mail regarding Asia to London via California and the Pony Express route. I liked the look at the horses - the best of blood horses, mustangs and others - which had speed and stamina. The men were tough, loyal and brave. Many stories are included of their determination. Seventy-five miles was a usual ride, with stations every ten or twelve miles to change horses. Often we are told of a man having to ride a double distance as the man to go next had been killed. The station managers too were a sitting target for hostiles.This is a great slice of what was a brief history. A small excerpt from Twain's Roughing It is included, and many notes.This is an unbiased review.

I enjoyed this book because of it's easy-going style, attention to historical detail, and the way in which it was written.. drawing in the reader so you can't just skim through or read a paragraph here and there. A paragraph for me turned into a couple of chapters, and time flew by. I liked this book so much I also bought a hard copy of it, and have recommended both versions to friends.The story of the Pony Express and some of the courageous and amazing people (and horses!) is fascinating; at times very sad, at times uplifting and inspirational.

Wer etwas mehr über den Pony Express lesen möchte, es aber trotzdem kompakt mag, ist hier genau richtig. Gerade die ersten Kapitel sind sehr interessant und informativ, was den Service an sich angeht. Dann verstrickt sich der Autor ein bisschen zu sehr in Politik und Krieg zwischen Nord- und Südstaaten, um dann wieder zum eigentlichen Thema dem Pony Express zurück zu kehren. Da kann man mittendrin problemlos auch mal ein Kapitel auslassen. Alles in allem aber top.

Good reading, easy to understand, good geographical hints, very enjoyable for history buffs, well explained, recommendations for young and old, 4 stars

This was the backbone of my daughters report on the pony express. Lots of great information. Most people have no clue how important the Pony Express was. The stories of some of the riders were pretty amazing.