A Lady’s Experience in the Wild West in 1883

The aristocratic Rose Pender and her husband, James, were among the thousands of English travelers in the American West during the latter half of the nineteenth century. This is Pender’s lively account of a grand tour in 1883 of Texas, California, Salt Lake City, Wyoming, Dakota Territory, and far-flung points. A. B. Guthrie Jr. in his foreword writes that all students and collectors will want A Lady’s Experiences in the Wild West in 1883. It deals with a West in transition from frontier to the glimmer of modern times, from open range to fenced pastures, from trails to trains, from makeshift and made-do to more convenient and easier ways. We see it through the eyes and from the sensibilities of a gentlewoman and a Britisher to boot. The woman was indeed a Lady. She brought to America her highborn prejudices and standards…and with them a sharp eye, a chatty pen, and a game spirit… . She adds to our knowledge of a time no one is old enough to remember.