True Bear Stories

by joaquin-miller-james-robertson-vincent-perez-william-everson

1900. Called the Poet of the Sierras and the Byron of the Rockies, Cincinnatus Hiner Miller alias Joaquin Miller was also termed a poseur and a farce during his careers as a 19th century lawyer, judge, pony express rider, newspaperman, teacher, cook, miner, conservationist and poet. Included in this book of stories is perhaps Miller's most interesting tale of A Bear on Fire, for I doubt you could put it down after reading the first couple It is now more than a quarter of a century since I saw the woods of Mount Shasta in flames, and beasts of all sorts, even serpents, crowded together; but I can never forget, never!

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1987

Reviews

[Larry Weldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book

I quite enjoyed reading this fellow's bear stories. He sprinkles in humor and quite extensive knowledge with the stories whrich are interesting.

[Janelle]

Dnf. Wasn’t enjoying it.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting slice of natural history that reveals many of the attitudes toward nature and wildlife held a little over 100 years ago. Even though Miller clearly has a deep appreciation for bears, he shares the prevailing attitude of the period that it is acceptable to kill wild animals to keep as trophies or capture them to put on exhibit. Although I'm sure plenty of people still feel the same way, many in our modern society have developed a greater sympathy toward other living creatures and feel a strong desire to help ensure their survival in the wild. It was amazing to me to realize just how recently, in the grand scheme of history, grizzlies still roamed in many parts of California. I enjoyed these stories and the glimpses of California history they preserve, and look forward to seeing the Joaquin Miller exhibit in Mt. Shasta next month.

[Mike W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and light hearted read from the poet of the sierras, Joaquin Miller. Mr. Miller was famously regarded as a BSer among his contemporaries, and in True Bear Stories he is in full BS mode. But it's fun! Remember that he wrote these stories for his child, and so this taffy pull with truth can certainly be forgiven, and really ought to be expected, (still, it makes me want to play my fiddle in the back country just to see if I can draw out any music loving bears that might still be roaming the California woods!).

Miller lived in California during the 1850's and so his stories have the added benefit of giving us a look at gold rush history. If you enjoy Twain, I can almost guarantee that you'll enjoy Miller. True Bear Stories will probably leave you interested enough to read some of his other works.

[daisy riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

Although written in a rather old fashioned style, the book gives a fascinating insight to the wildlife of America which met the early settlers. It seems that there were nearly as many bears as Indians in California!