Across the Plains in the Donner Party & History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra
180th Anniversary Commemorative Omnibus Edition - Two Landmark Works in One Volume (Paperback & eBook)
In 1846, a group of pioneers heading for California became trapped in the snowbound Sierra Nevada. What followed was one of the most harrowing and tragic episodes in the history of westward expansion: the story of the Donner Party. This special 180th anniversary edition brings together for the first time the two most important and enduring accounts of the tragedy - offering readers a complete picture of the journey, the suffering, and the legacy left behind.
Book One: Across the Plains in the Donner Party by Virginia Reed Murphy
Written by one of the youngest survivors of the expedition, this deeply personal memoir recounts the journey with a clear and compelling voice. Virginia Reed was just twelve years old when her family joined the party, and her recollections-first published decades later-capture both the innocence of youth and the emotional scars of survival. Her account is a powerful piece of American literature that speaks to sacrifice, resilience, and the complexity of memory.
Book Two: History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra by C.F. McGlashan
First published in 1879, this is the first comprehensive historical investigation into the events of the Donner Party. McGlashan interviewed survivors, collected letters, and examined newspaper accounts to reconstruct the journey with journalistic rigor. Far more than a sensational narrative, his work seeks to correct myths, honor the dead, and preserve the lessons of the past for future generations.
Together, these two works present a dual-lens portrait of the Donner Party-one from within, and one from without. The result is a definitive collection that honors those who lived the experience and those who sought to preserve it for history.
Why This Edition Matters:
With the 180th anniversary approaching in 2027, interest in the Donner Party and westward expansion is set to rise. This edition provides the most complete and accessible compilation available-ideal for students, researchers, and general readers. Beyond the story of starvation and survival, this is a chronicle of the American spirit: of what people hope for, endure, and remember.
