For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Schipper DeMund (415) 331-2516

Book Resurrects Jim Beckwourth, A Forgotten Black Hero

In the mid-1800's, the name Jim Beckwourth was well known by Americans. This former slave became a celebrated mountain man, trapper, trader, guide, and early explorer of the Wild West from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. It is surprising that this once-upon-a-time celebrity is so little known today, especially among young people.

To reintroduce Beckwourth to young adults who enjoy reading about real-life adventures, a lively new book, From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West, by Tom DeMund, tells Jim's story and helps explain why he was one of the most famous black people of his era. Jim's exploits cascade from becoming a popular chief of the Crow Indian tribe, to dodging death dozens of times, holding 40 different jobs, saving many lives, building a popular wagon trail for emigrants to California, helping found the city of Pueblo, Colorado, and becoming one of the first 100 non-Hispanic residents of Los Angeles. Full-color illustrations complement chapters about Jim's family, how he looked and dressed, what he ate, how he died mysteriously, and why this hero was no angel.

Young adults, grades six through twelve, will be fascinated by the accomplishments of this extraordinary man as they learn lots of American history in short chapters written in language they can easily read and enjoy.

Tom DeMund is also author of an award-winning hiking book, now in its third edition, which includes four hikes along portions of the Beckwourth Emigrant Trail. The author traveled from the East to West Coast and from Montana to New Mexico, following Jim Becwourth's footsteps, doing extensive research, and taking many of the 53 color pictures in his 160-page hardback book.

From Slave to Superstar of the Wild West is available at bookstores, or at (800) 852-4890, for $18.95 plus $5.50 shipping.