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Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Mr. Edwards
Mr. Edwards … that colorful Tennessee Wildcat Laura Ingalls Wilder so deeply loved. He helped Pa build the family’s cabin, saved Christmas by carrying presents across a raging creek, and spit farther than Laura thought possible. Though he was a little rough around the edges, Laura simply adored Mr. Edwards. Through her vivid, heartwarming stories, we came to love him, too.
But who was he? Virtually all Laura’s Little House characters were real people … even those whose names were changed to protect their reputations.
Mr. Edwards, however, wasn’t so easy to track down. In fact, he’s the sole Little House enigma … the only mentioned character that hasn’t clearly surfaced via historical records.
Was he fiction, for the sake of illustrating pioneer stereotypes? Was he a composite character, built from several men Laura knew during their time in Kansas? Was he a loose collection of memories and family lore, cobbled together for the sake of the narrative? Or was he a real man, whose full identity had previously evaded discovery?
We wanted to know the answer …
So, we dusted off our boots and headed out … hot on the trail of the wildcat from Tennessee!
But who was he? Virtually all Laura’s Little House characters were real people … even those whose names were changed to protect their reputations.
Mr. Edwards, however, wasn’t so easy to track down. In fact, he’s the sole Little House enigma … the only mentioned character that hasn’t clearly surfaced via historical records.
Was he fiction, for the sake of illustrating pioneer stereotypes? Was he a composite character, built from several men Laura knew during their time in Kansas? Was he a loose collection of memories and family lore, cobbled together for the sake of the narrative? Or was he a real man, whose full identity had previously evaded discovery?
We wanted to know the answer …
So, we dusted off our boots and headed out … hot on the trail of the wildcat from Tennessee!
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2023
127 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 3, 2024
While this book was meticulously researched, it kept re-stating facts repeatedly and quoted Little House on the Prairie passages multiple times, like the reader could forget so fast. I felt like the results could have been reduced to an article, which I would have rather read. The most interesting thing for me was about the Bloody Benders story, which I had never heard of and had to look up myself after the book reference. It did shed some light on some minor characters in Laura’s books. Previously, I had read the Pulitzer-prize-winning book Prairie Fires. That contains so much that I would suggest a fan read that book. All the births/ deaths etc of all the Mr. Edwards candidates put me to sleep at times literally.
May 27, 2024
Was he real or fiction...
My mom read the Little House books to me when I was about 5 and I credit them with being a major contributor to my eventual love of history and historical fiction. Later on, of course, I read them for myself and loved them just as much. Now, I'll admit that more than one, even two, decades have passed since the last time that I read any of them. However, my fascination with just how much truth and how much fiction they contained has long remained.
After reading Robynne Elizabeth Miller's book The Three Faces Of Nellie sometime ago I was totally intrigued when I saw she had also written a book with J.D. Rushmore on the topic of Mr. Edwards who is arguably one of the more favorite characters from the TV show.
Tennessee Wildcat is very well laid out with careful progression showing the original question, the clues to be found within the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings, and the author's systematic search through records and maps spanning centuries and continents that leads to a logical and thoughtfully presented conclusion to the mystery...who was Mr. Edwards...?
I found Tennessee Wildcat to be every bit as intriguing as anticipated. The authors didn't just take other people's word for it but scoured the records themselves and they found a few surprises along the way. Despite the fact that I never read as much non-fiction as I should nor as much history as I want to, I finished this book in very short order. It was a good and informative read that I would highly recommend to any Little House, be it the books or the TV show, fan out there....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
My mom read the Little House books to me when I was about 5 and I credit them with being a major contributor to my eventual love of history and historical fiction. Later on, of course, I read them for myself and loved them just as much. Now, I'll admit that more than one, even two, decades have passed since the last time that I read any of them. However, my fascination with just how much truth and how much fiction they contained has long remained.
After reading Robynne Elizabeth Miller's book The Three Faces Of Nellie sometime ago I was totally intrigued when I saw she had also written a book with J.D. Rushmore on the topic of Mr. Edwards who is arguably one of the more favorite characters from the TV show.
Tennessee Wildcat is very well laid out with careful progression showing the original question, the clues to be found within the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings, and the author's systematic search through records and maps spanning centuries and continents that leads to a logical and thoughtfully presented conclusion to the mystery...who was Mr. Edwards...?
I found Tennessee Wildcat to be every bit as intriguing as anticipated. The authors didn't just take other people's word for it but scoured the records themselves and they found a few surprises along the way. Despite the fact that I never read as much non-fiction as I should nor as much history as I want to, I finished this book in very short order. It was a good and informative read that I would highly recommend to any Little House, be it the books or the TV show, fan out there....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
June 16, 2025
As much as I am interested in the topic— who was the real Mr. Edwards?—I found the book to be a little dry.
May 13, 2024
One problem with getting books free for review, is after reading the book you are required to write a review. Yes, you can say you don’t like the book and be honest but I feel bad writing a review about a book I didn’t like. I have that problem this morning about a book I read yesterday. I really don’t know what to say about the book. I didn’t hate the book but really didn’t care about the subject it was about. The book was easy to read for the most part but some of it was liking read a history book and then some of it was too technical for me about land plots.
I know some will mostly like this book especially if you liked Little House on the Prairie and want to know everything there is to know about the characters and Laura herself. I loved the show and know it is based on real life but I really am not all that enthusiastic about knowing every little detail.
It felt to me at some parts in the book the author was saying that the things Laura Ingalls wrote about wasn’t true or didn’t happen the way she wrote, but I wonder if any autobiography or biography is ever completely true.
At the back of the book there is an appendix of 9 more pages of understand public Land Survey System which I admit to not reading.
If you want to know more information about who Mr. Edward’s could have been or not been then I say read “Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Mr. Edward’s.” By Robyn’s Elizabeth Miller and J. D. Rushmore.
I am curious to know how many would want to read this book and know if Mr. Edward’s is real or fictional or if he is like Nellie Olson which is a composite character created from three girls that Laura Ingalls know. I now know what the authors think after reading this book. Do you all want to know as well?
I know some will mostly like this book especially if you liked Little House on the Prairie and want to know everything there is to know about the characters and Laura herself. I loved the show and know it is based on real life but I really am not all that enthusiastic about knowing every little detail.
It felt to me at some parts in the book the author was saying that the things Laura Ingalls wrote about wasn’t true or didn’t happen the way she wrote, but I wonder if any autobiography or biography is ever completely true.
At the back of the book there is an appendix of 9 more pages of understand public Land Survey System which I admit to not reading.
If you want to know more information about who Mr. Edward’s could have been or not been then I say read “Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Mr. Edward’s.” By Robyn’s Elizabeth Miller and J. D. Rushmore.
I am curious to know how many would want to read this book and know if Mr. Edward’s is real or fictional or if he is like Nellie Olson which is a composite character created from three girls that Laura Ingalls know. I now know what the authors think after reading this book. Do you all want to know as well?
May 24, 2024
What can I say? I’m still a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little House on the Prairie. And I’m an adult! So of course when this came across for review I had to snatch it up. It’s a nonfiction historical sleuthing-type account of who Mr Edwards could possibly have been in real life.
I never really thought much of it. He was Mr Edwards. But then if you do do a deep dive into Laura’s life you’ll find out that a person or man by the name of Mr Edwards never existed. So who was he? Was he real? Or did Laura compile lots of memories and make one man act them out? I refuse to believe that she made up the character entirely. I just can’t get behind that.
WHAT I CAN GET BEHIND IS THIS BOOK.
It’s wonderfully written. It did not read as a textbook would. Which is always something that makes me leary of nonfiction. When they read all the facts and nothing to involve or draw you in.
I loved seeing the research the authors did. They have great research behind their final conclusion. I can’t tell you their conclusion. Then you wouldn’t read the book! But you should if you have any interest in the Little House on the Prairie or Laura Ingalls Wilder. Just last summer I took my second oldest to visit all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder homes and museums. It was great fun! Now we have another book to add to our collection. I would recommend getting the physical copy so you can easily flip to the maps etc that they reference.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I never really thought much of it. He was Mr Edwards. But then if you do do a deep dive into Laura’s life you’ll find out that a person or man by the name of Mr Edwards never existed. So who was he? Was he real? Or did Laura compile lots of memories and make one man act them out? I refuse to believe that she made up the character entirely. I just can’t get behind that.
WHAT I CAN GET BEHIND IS THIS BOOK.
It’s wonderfully written. It did not read as a textbook would. Which is always something that makes me leary of nonfiction. When they read all the facts and nothing to involve or draw you in.
I loved seeing the research the authors did. They have great research behind their final conclusion. I can’t tell you their conclusion. Then you wouldn’t read the book! But you should if you have any interest in the Little House on the Prairie or Laura Ingalls Wilder. Just last summer I took my second oldest to visit all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder homes and museums. It was great fun! Now we have another book to add to our collection. I would recommend getting the physical copy so you can easily flip to the maps etc that they reference.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
May 29, 2024
I have been a fan of Little House on the Prairie for a ling time. I rewatch the entire series each year. Each character was unique in their own way. Mr. Edwards was very much liked by many. I liked the author exploring this man and who he was. The book is filled with many facts by researching historical books and papers. While most of the stories in the series are easy to be checked, perhaps Laura embellished some in order to show that the family was on their own a lot.
Many characters were able to be verified but one name stood out to the author. Why was it hard to find Mr. Edwards? Was he someone that Laura made up? I enjoyed reading the book filled with details that brings readers back to a time where a family traveled by wagon. The Ingalls were adventurous and seemed to move around a lot. There are certain details that surprised me. In the series we are led to believe that the Ingalls were mostly alone when settling down. History shows that many immigrants traveled to the same area which makes me wonder why Laura left that fact out.
The book has many facts that left me overwhelmed at times. The settlers are offered land at a very cheap price by standards of today. I’m sure this price may have been high for those who barely had any money. I appreciate all the research which I know is needed to prove or deny the existence of Mr. Edward. I followed the facts closely and determined that… well readers I leave it up to you to decide. Was Mr. Edwards real or fictional?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Many characters were able to be verified but one name stood out to the author. Why was it hard to find Mr. Edwards? Was he someone that Laura made up? I enjoyed reading the book filled with details that brings readers back to a time where a family traveled by wagon. The Ingalls were adventurous and seemed to move around a lot. There are certain details that surprised me. In the series we are led to believe that the Ingalls were mostly alone when settling down. History shows that many immigrants traveled to the same area which makes me wonder why Laura left that fact out.
The book has many facts that left me overwhelmed at times. The settlers are offered land at a very cheap price by standards of today. I’m sure this price may have been high for those who barely had any money. I appreciate all the research which I know is needed to prove or deny the existence of Mr. Edward. I followed the facts closely and determined that… well readers I leave it up to you to decide. Was Mr. Edwards real or fictional?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 16, 2024
Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore is Nonfiction, a Historical Biography, and Literary History. Growing up, I loved reading the Little House series of books. I also enjoyed watching the television show Little House on the Prairie. So, when I had the opportunity to read this book trying to discover the actual identity of Mr. Edwards, I eagerly signed up for this tour.
As I began reading this book, I initially found it somewhat dry and almost “textbook-ish.” The authors put a lot of time and research into writing this book. I appreciate the in-depth examination of the Land Survey system and how the Bureau of Land Management worked.
The number of individuals and details about men who could have been Mr. Edwards drew me into the historical information. I also recommend reading the appendix at the end and paying attention to this book's photographs, figures, and diagrams. They provide a visual way of what the authors discuss.
So, if you enjoy research, history, and Little House on the Prairie, check out Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
As I began reading this book, I initially found it somewhat dry and almost “textbook-ish.” The authors put a lot of time and research into writing this book. I appreciate the in-depth examination of the Land Survey system and how the Bureau of Land Management worked.
The number of individuals and details about men who could have been Mr. Edwards drew me into the historical information. I also recommend reading the appendix at the end and paying attention to this book's photographs, figures, and diagrams. They provide a visual way of what the authors discuss.
So, if you enjoy research, history, and Little House on the Prairie, check out Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2024
Growing up, I lived and breathed the Little House on the Prairie series. I read every book multiple times (or in the case of These Happy Golden Years, twenty-five times–and that’s a real number, not an exaggeration). I’ve extensively studied fact vs. fiction on the series.
So did I want to explore the story behind Mr. Edwards? Well, of course!
Tennessee Wildcat dives deep into the heart of Kansas to determine Mr. Edwards true character. The hunt is far more complicated than it might appear. The authors poured so much research and thought it into their search that I was amazed.
Some parts of the book can get technical as far as land layout. As a Midwesterner with generations of homesteaders behind me, I found it fascinating. There are plenty of stories sprinkled throughout the book to keep the pace lively.
And now to answer the final question. Do I believe the authors’ decision about Mr. Edwards at the end?
I believe I do. They laid out their findings in a logical way that convinced me–but if you want to discover what those finding were, you’ll have to read the book yourself.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
So did I want to explore the story behind Mr. Edwards? Well, of course!
Tennessee Wildcat dives deep into the heart of Kansas to determine Mr. Edwards true character. The hunt is far more complicated than it might appear. The authors poured so much research and thought it into their search that I was amazed.
Some parts of the book can get technical as far as land layout. As a Midwesterner with generations of homesteaders behind me, I found it fascinating. There are plenty of stories sprinkled throughout the book to keep the pace lively.
And now to answer the final question. Do I believe the authors’ decision about Mr. Edwards at the end?
I believe I do. They laid out their findings in a logical way that convinced me–but if you want to discover what those finding were, you’ll have to read the book yourself.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
May 23, 2024
I grew up reading The Little House on the Prairie book series and watching the television series, so when I learned of “Tennessee Wildcat,” which highlights Mr. Edwards (the Tennessee Wildcat,) I was intrigued and curious.
Who doesn’t love Mr. Edwards? He’s an engaging, gruff, rough-around-the-edges kind of guy with equal helpings of humor, hospitality, and heart. Whether his part in the series was purely fictional or based on a real person (or combination of people) isn’t important to me because his presence made a meaningful impact. In some ways I really like that his identity remains a mystery.
This book is a bit different than I expected. It researches this enigmatic character and the author that either created or wrote about him. While some parts are fascinating and other parts feel a bit like a research paper, the history is stimulating for Little House fans.
First Line: All good mysteries start with an examination of the scene where the body was found, the jewel got stolen, or the action took place.
Genre: Biographical Fiction
Author: Robin Elizabeth Miller, J.D. Rushmore
Page Count: 288
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Who doesn’t love Mr. Edwards? He’s an engaging, gruff, rough-around-the-edges kind of guy with equal helpings of humor, hospitality, and heart. Whether his part in the series was purely fictional or based on a real person (or combination of people) isn’t important to me because his presence made a meaningful impact. In some ways I really like that his identity remains a mystery.
This book is a bit different than I expected. It researches this enigmatic character and the author that either created or wrote about him. While some parts are fascinating and other parts feel a bit like a research paper, the history is stimulating for Little House fans.
First Line: All good mysteries start with an examination of the scene where the body was found, the jewel got stolen, or the action took place.
Genre: Biographical Fiction
Author: Robin Elizabeth Miller, J.D. Rushmore
Page Count: 288
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
May 20, 2024
I have loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books since I was a small child and my third grade teacher read them to the class. Mr. Edwards was a much-loved character so I was looking forward to reading Tennessee Wildcat. I was hoping for a bit of a biography on Mr. Edwards so I was quite disappointed. Tennessee Wildcat is an academic read - more of a report of findings from the author’s research.
I was also disappointed that she did not include research from Laura’s daughter Rose Wilder Lane or Rose’s adopted grandson Roger MacBride. As members of Laura’s family, I would have thought their writings would have been consulted.
I found the text a chore to read as it is written as an academic, thesis-style report. I am sure there are some who found Tennessee Wildcat enjoyable, I just am not one of them.
Tennessee Wildcat could find a home in a K-12 Christian school library but it is probably better suited for a college level library where someone might be doing serious research into Laura Ingalls Wilder, her books and her characters.
I received a complimentary copy of Tennessee Wildcat. This is my honest review.
I was also disappointed that she did not include research from Laura’s daughter Rose Wilder Lane or Rose’s adopted grandson Roger MacBride. As members of Laura’s family, I would have thought their writings would have been consulted.
I found the text a chore to read as it is written as an academic, thesis-style report. I am sure there are some who found Tennessee Wildcat enjoyable, I just am not one of them.
Tennessee Wildcat could find a home in a K-12 Christian school library but it is probably better suited for a college level library where someone might be doing serious research into Laura Ingalls Wilder, her books and her characters.
I received a complimentary copy of Tennessee Wildcat. This is my honest review.
May 23, 2024
The Laura Ingall’s Wilder books have always been a favorite of mine since I was able to read the books from Mrs. Wilder. I have fond memories of watching the TV series with my mother.
I have always thought Mr. Edwards was an intriguing character. I know that some say he was not a real person and others say he was. Regardless, whether he was or not doesn’t matter. The book details several individuals and men who could have been Mr. Edwards.
The book reads like a historical book with an in-depth examination of the Land Survey System and information on how the Bureau of Land Management works. I enjoyed reading and learning more about Laura Ingalls and her family's background. It was enjoyable to uncover the known facts about Mr. Edwards.
The back of the book is an appendix of 9 pages of the public land survey system. I would recommend reading the appendix. The book also has several photographs and diagrams.
The book was easy to read overall. A bit dry at times but still interesting. If you are looking for a novel then this is not it.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I have always thought Mr. Edwards was an intriguing character. I know that some say he was not a real person and others say he was. Regardless, whether he was or not doesn’t matter. The book details several individuals and men who could have been Mr. Edwards.
The book reads like a historical book with an in-depth examination of the Land Survey System and information on how the Bureau of Land Management works. I enjoyed reading and learning more about Laura Ingalls and her family's background. It was enjoyable to uncover the known facts about Mr. Edwards.
The back of the book is an appendix of 9 pages of the public land survey system. I would recommend reading the appendix. The book also has several photographs and diagrams.
The book was easy to read overall. A bit dry at times but still interesting. If you are looking for a novel then this is not it.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
September 7, 2024
Tennessee Wildcat follows the research journey in search of the real inspiration for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s fictional Mr. Edwards – with the aim of leaning if he had a living counterpart, was a composite character, or wholly fictional. One of my greater disappointments in delving into the history before Little House was learning that Mr. Edward’s wasn’t real, so I was instantly intrigued by this project and have been wanting to read it for some time; I'm glad I finally did.
The search for Mr. Edwards reveals much about who the Ingalls family's neighbors on the Kansas prairie were with eye-opening contextualization that demythologizes. The authors clearly lay out impressively detailed and systematic research based primarily in census, land records, and newspapers, and methodically lay out a case for each possibility. However, the writing and narrative was also really repetitive in this aspect, with the same findings, statements, and clues brought up again and again. While I read the book in one sitting, and it interested me well enough, it could have been far more succinct.
The search for Mr. Edwards reveals much about who the Ingalls family's neighbors on the Kansas prairie were with eye-opening contextualization that demythologizes. The authors clearly lay out impressively detailed and systematic research based primarily in census, land records, and newspapers, and methodically lay out a case for each possibility. However, the writing and narrative was also really repetitive in this aspect, with the same findings, statements, and clues brought up again and again. While I read the book in one sitting, and it interested me well enough, it could have been far more succinct.
May 11, 2024
I have enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie series since I was a little Girl. I was given the opportunity to read this book and it is Non-Fiction, which I found very interesting. Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore is based on research to discover the origin of the character Mr. Edwards.
WOW, I was really impressed by the EXTENSIVE Research that was put into this book. The Authors really dug deep and analyzed the times and surroundings to come to their conclusion. When reading the books as a girl the character of Mr. Edwards was intriguing and this book was definitely eye opening as to who he truly was. The History timeline, the ways of homesteading during those times, the family life were more in depth through this book then reading the Fiction books. I truly appreciate the facts and info laid throughout the book! I must say that if you are/were a fan of the Little House Books, this is a MUST READ!! GREAT BOOK!
WOW, I was really impressed by the EXTENSIVE Research that was put into this book. The Authors really dug deep and analyzed the times and surroundings to come to their conclusion. When reading the books as a girl the character of Mr. Edwards was intriguing and this book was definitely eye opening as to who he truly was. The History timeline, the ways of homesteading during those times, the family life were more in depth through this book then reading the Fiction books. I truly appreciate the facts and info laid throughout the book! I must say that if you are/were a fan of the Little House Books, this is a MUST READ!! GREAT BOOK!
May 15, 2024
This book should interest fans and fanatics of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books and those who enjoy history and genealogical research. The authors document their meticulous exploration as they tried to track down the actual identity of the character of Mr. Edwards from the beloved novels. I thought he must be an actual person like her other characters, but his true identity has remained a mystery. Just as the authors discovered and shared in a previous book that Nellie Oleson was a composite of three girls mean to Laura in childhood, they check out every possibility for Mr. Edwards, noting where each man lived and how his house and background fit with all the information gleaned from the Little House stories. This book also includes photos of the men and maps and more to highlight the historical exploration. I thought it might have more stories from real life, but it’s a nonfiction work focused on documentation that makes a nice accompaniment to the series. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2024
The book "Tenessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingall's Mr. Edwards" was co-authored by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore. The authors worked together to sift through a lot of information, and it's clear they both have a strong interest in Laura Ingalls and her story of Mr. Edwards.
This was my first time reading a historical nonfiction book of this kind. Although I hadn't read the "Little House on the Prairie" books, I was familiar with the TV show and was excited to read this book.
I really enjoyed learning more about Laura Ingalls and her family background. The authors did an excellent job researching every detail, especially in uncovering little-known facts about Mr. Edwards. The book is informative and fun to read, and I'm eager to find out the real identity of Mr. Edwards.
I highly recommend adding this book to your to-read list. It's a captivating read that you'll want to finish quickly to discover as much as you can about the mystery of Mr. Edwards.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
This was my first time reading a historical nonfiction book of this kind. Although I hadn't read the "Little House on the Prairie" books, I was familiar with the TV show and was excited to read this book.
I really enjoyed learning more about Laura Ingalls and her family background. The authors did an excellent job researching every detail, especially in uncovering little-known facts about Mr. Edwards. The book is informative and fun to read, and I'm eager to find out the real identity of Mr. Edwards.
I highly recommend adding this book to your to-read list. It's a captivating read that you'll want to finish quickly to discover as much as you can about the mystery of Mr. Edwards.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Want to read
May 21, 2024From the time I could read, practically, I have loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. I used to read through the whole series at least once a year during my childhood through my teen years, even into my early twenties. Of course I became a fan of the television series, too.
I always look for and enjoy anything I can find on the Ingalls/Wilder families, so when Tennessee Wildcat became available for review, I jumped at the chance! I found it fascinating and intriguing, maybe a touch technical at times. Yet it is still an informative and enjoyable read.
It starts with describing how the land was marked out for settlement, as well as describing what was occurring during the time period in which the Ingalls family lived in Kansas. In addition, it discusses how the Osage Indians were treated.
In conclusion, do the authors discover who Mr. Edwards really was? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. If you're keen on history, especially early history of Kansas, you'll want to grab your own copy!
I always look for and enjoy anything I can find on the Ingalls/Wilder families, so when Tennessee Wildcat became available for review, I jumped at the chance! I found it fascinating and intriguing, maybe a touch technical at times. Yet it is still an informative and enjoyable read.
It starts with describing how the land was marked out for settlement, as well as describing what was occurring during the time period in which the Ingalls family lived in Kansas. In addition, it discusses how the Osage Indians were treated.
In conclusion, do the authors discover who Mr. Edwards really was? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. If you're keen on history, especially early history of Kansas, you'll want to grab your own copy!
May 5, 2024
Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J D Rushmore is an interesting historical journey into finding the identity of the beloved character from the Little House books. The authors did some intensive research to trying to solve this mystery. They provide different research to back up who is who living among the Ingalls' of the time. As the family historian, I appreciated the authors' time and effort into discovering who Mr Edwards could possibly be.
I am giving Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards four stars. I believe fans of the beloved Little House on the Prairie books and series will be interested in reading it.
I received a paperback copy of Miller and Rushmore's Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards four stars. I believe fans of the beloved Little House on the Prairie books and series will be interested in reading it.
I received a paperback copy of Miller and Rushmore's Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
May 28, 2024
Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards is written by
Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore. I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. I also read all the books. I was super excited to see this book come up to read and review.
Mr. Edward’s was always one of my favorite characters. The way Laura Ingalls Wilder described him he seemed like he was going to be everybody’s friend. The authors have done a great deal of research to compile the records from the Ingalls time in Kansas.
I also loved how they put in who may not be associated as the real life person. I really learned a lot about the settlement of land and how the Osage Indians were treated.
Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore. I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. I also read all the books. I was super excited to see this book come up to read and review.
Mr. Edward’s was always one of my favorite characters. The way Laura Ingalls Wilder described him he seemed like he was going to be everybody’s friend. The authors have done a great deal of research to compile the records from the Ingalls time in Kansas.
I also loved how they put in who may not be associated as the real life person. I really learned a lot about the settlement of land and how the Osage Indians were treated.
Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
August 29, 2023
I finished this book in one long and one short session. Not because it is a quick read, but because I wanted to keep reading! The level of research is impressive, but the analysis of the records unearthed is what makes this book an extraordinary read.
Miller looked at the data from every angle, and while she could have made some leaps of logic, she stayed grounded to say "this is what the data does and does not show us." I very much appreciated this aspect of the work; it can be very fun to speculate, but unless the facts are conclusive, it is best to stick to possibilities instead of declarations.
"Tennessee Wildcat" is a must-have addition to the library of anyone who wants to learn more about the history behind and within the Little House books.
Miller looked at the data from every angle, and while she could have made some leaps of logic, she stayed grounded to say "this is what the data does and does not show us." I very much appreciated this aspect of the work; it can be very fun to speculate, but unless the facts are conclusive, it is best to stick to possibilities instead of declarations.
"Tennessee Wildcat" is a must-have addition to the library of anyone who wants to learn more about the history behind and within the Little House books.
April 30, 2024
Tennessee Wildcat is a thorough research into Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Mr. Edward she portrayed in her books. The authors included their in depth search with graphics, facts and their own conclusion since the research did not produce one particular individual as Mr. Edwards. This is an interesting read with all the history of the prairie with homesteading, distance of neighbors and the stories penned by Wilder in her later years of life. Fans of Little House on the Prairie will enjoy the history the authors found in their conquest to discover the actual Mr. Edwards.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and the authors without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and the authors without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.
May 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was not as interesting as The Three Faces of Nellie, which I read a few years ago, but I still found it fascinating to read about the neighbors the Ingalls family had when they lived on the prairie in eastern Kansas when Laura was a very young child. Apparently, life was quite different than what she described in her book. If you are a fellow lover of the Little House books, you will want to read this one and try to find the truth about the beloved Mr. Edwards.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
May 9, 2024
I thought this was a well researched book about trying to find out who Mr. Edwards in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books really is. I liked how they set the book up and gave us a step by step of their research and gave their conclusions. I liked learning the history of the time and seeing how the wilderness was. I also liked getting to see all the people they thought that it could be. I found this to be a fascinating book and a good resource for anyone who likes Little House on the Prairie.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
May 17, 2024
The writing style of this book is more of a documentary than a novel, but I still liked it a lot. I grew up with Little House on the Prarie as one of my most treasured sets of books and I also liked the TV series. This is a deep dive into history and many things from Laura Ingalls Wilder. It has many tidbits of information that I didn't know or just found fascinating. I can easily recommend it to any fans of this series, or anyone who's interested in more of the history behind this amazing author and the mysteries we have long pondered.
Celebrate Lit provided my digital copy. A positive review is never required and this review is my own.
Celebrate Lit provided my digital copy. A positive review is never required and this review is my own.
July 20, 2024
This is a non-fictional account of the author trying to verify who was Mr. Edwards in Laura Ingalls Wilder's story of Little House on the Prairie. She uses the clues in the story and then checks them against the records of the town and the state, and its historical context.
Many of Wilder's characters were her interpretation of her friends, family, and neighbors. However, some of them were composites of several individuals, such as Nellie Oleson. But the question remains, "Who is Mr. Edwards, the 'wildcat' (slang for an uncouth person) from Tennessee?"
Miller was a meticulous researcher and developed some believable conjectures.
Many of Wilder's characters were her interpretation of her friends, family, and neighbors. However, some of them were composites of several individuals, such as Nellie Oleson. But the question remains, "Who is Mr. Edwards, the 'wildcat' (slang for an uncouth person) from Tennessee?"
Miller was a meticulous researcher and developed some believable conjectures.
December 18, 2023
IT seems every Little House fan of the books wants to know about the character of Mr. Edwards. Although there is no mention of the Wildcat from Tennessee in any historical record, it has long been thought that Laura Ingalls Wilder created him from a compilation of real people she knew and liked. This book seeks to do a deeper dive into the mystery of Mr. Edwards. It is an interesting journey and worth a place on your bookshelf if you love Laura!
January 31, 2024
As a genealogist with family from this area, I loved this book! I learned a lot about what my family was likely going through at the same time. And I will pour through the sources to get ideas of where else I can research. I gave it 4 stars because they repeated the same thoughts many times.
October 3, 2023
Great book!
Very interesting and a thoroughly good read!
Great research and explanations.
I loved it!
** ** ** ** ** **
Very interesting and a thoroughly good read!
Great research and explanations.
I loved it!
** ** ** ** ** **
March 3, 2024
Read for research. I'd rate at 3.5 overall. The book is thoroughly researched and full of documentary sources to trace the origins of the Mr. Edwards who appears in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and other Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Pluses: Stick-to-the-facts analysis. Helpful information on how to interpret survey documents. Expansive search for potential candidates to be part of Mr. Edwards's story. Drawbacks: Needs an editor for some grammar mistakes and repetition. Also, there are a couple of assumptions in the research (such as assuming that Wilder was true to the timeline of Carrie's presence, even though we know that Wilder was very loose with Carrie's presence in family events in her early books). Despite the drawbacks, it is an interesting read and one I'd recommend to Laura Ingalls Wilder's fans and scholars to add to their collections.
June 18, 2024
This is a very short book but very interesting and making me things I have never thought of in all my experiences of Little House books...
November 18, 2024
For any “Real Laura” fans, this book is a must. It is meticulously researched, yet easy to read and comprehend. I enjoyed it immensely!
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