As Far as the Eye Could Reach

Accounts of Animals Along the Santa Fe Trail, 1821-1880

By: Phyllis S. Morgan

Narrated by: Sally Martin

Travelers and traders taking the Santa Fe Trail's routes from Missouri to New Mexico wrote vivid eyewitness accounts of the diverse and abundant wildlife encountered as they crossed arid plains, high desert, and rugged mountains. Most astonishing to these observers were the incredible numbers of animals, many they had not seen before - buffalo, antelope (pronghorn), prairie dogs, roadrunners, mustangs, grizzlies, and others. They also wrote about the domesticated animals they brought with them, including oxen, mules, horses, and dogs. Their letters, diaries, and memoirs open a window onto an animal world on the plains seen by few people other than the Plains Indians who had lived there for thousands of years. Phyllis S. Morgan has gleaned accounts from numerous primary sources and assembled them into a delightfully informative narrative. She has also explored the lives of the various species, and in this book tells about their behaviors and characteristics, the social relations within and between species, their relationships with humans, and their contributions to the environment and humankind.

©2015 University of Oklahoma Press (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Significant and finely crafted study of the animals and human-animal relationships on the historic Road to Santa Fe… It deserves a wide audience.” (Leo E. Oliva, author of Soldiers on the Santa Fe Trail)

“Provides eyewitness accounts rich in colorful detail and fascinating anecdotes… a welcome addition to the literature on the historic trails of the Old West." (Deborah Lawrence, coauthor of Writing the Trails)

interesting and well narrated

This book was a perfect companion to our road trip through the central prairie. We learned not only about the vastness of the native animals at the time of the Santa Fe trail, but also about the lives of those who witnessed this then prestine setting.

Just because they got in the way.....

A far better read than most "publish or perish" or doctoral theses. Apparently researched in depth using memoirs of eyewitnesses of the time, a clear picture of what we have destroyed and lost in the animal kingdom of the US is presented with clarity. Specific animals are targeted in this piece, and the "before" is well demonstrated with much for the reader to learn, and the how and why of the depopulation with or without the need of relocation of each is equally depicted.
This is an excellent study piece for the ecologically minded, whether as required reading or personal enrichment. I found it to be a page-turner for me, and I learned a great deal that I did not realize I wanted to know.
Sally Martin gives this lecture a remarkably pleasant experience in the audiobook format.
I received this book free from the author, publisher, or narrator in exchange for an honest review.

Fascinating information

Loved the story that was told here. I was fascinated by the accounts of the exploration. The culinary attempts on various animals. What was sent back to the president and the amazing tidbits of first hand accounts especially those involving the rattlesnakes. The drawback for me here was the narration. It was very dry for me. There was no emotion to help carry the facts to me and made it for difficult listening. Optimum speed of 1.25x. I received this audiobook from the author narrator or publisher for free via audiobookboom in exchange for an unbiased review

A Wonderful Accounting of Animals on the Santa Fe

"As Far as the Eye Could Reach" was a terrific listen. It's about the western migration on the Santa Fe trail and the animals that the people encountered and documented. The book talks about the behavior of abundant animals in their environment, and included were a few narratives from the people who journaled this. The different animals were buffalo or bison, pronghorn or antelope, prairie dogs, the gray wolf, coyotes and roadrunners, prairie chickens, rattlesnakes, grizzly and black bear, wild mustang and then in part two it discusses domesticated animals such as mules, donkeys, burros, horses, and dogs. There was even a word said about cats who don't and didn't travel well.

I found this audiobook written by Phyllis S. Morgan to be most fascinating and informative. It was a thoroughly enjoyable listen but I also feel the take away for me was that I learned some new things that I didn't know which is always a bonus. I think one of my favorite chapters was the one about coyotes and roadrunners. I liked the Native American history of these animals. Also, a few of the stories I liked were the one about James Josiah Webb and his mule named Dolly Spanker. That was neat. I also liked the one of Simmons and his burro named Taco.

Sally Martin's narration was absolutely wonderful. She spoke clearly and was easy to understand. She had a nice voice with a warm tone and I feel she made this a well-rounded audiobook.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."

Interesting and unique account on historic animals

What was one of the most memorable moments of As Far as the Eye Could Reach?

There were many. The unique animals that came across the trail such as roadrunners, coyotes, and rattlesnakes made for an interesting listen, along with the stories and experiences associated with them. The narratives were enjoyable and thought provoking.

What about Sally Martin’s performance did you like?

She did a great job. It's not an easy task to tell a historic story on animals in an audiobook. She made it exciting and fun to listen.

Any additional comments?

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom."