Merrill D. Beal (1898–1990)

This talks about the start of a narrow gauge beginning in Utah, going into Idaho and then into Montana. I didn't realize there was one up that way. It eventually was converted into standard gauge and became what was known as the Oregon Short Line that became part of Union Pacific. It was an OK read but it could have done without the last few chapters going to NP, UP, Great Northern and the Milwaukee Road. I think it was just to make a bigger book!

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While rafting and then visiting friends in north central Idaho, I finally read this history of the Nez Perce war. This excellent history describes the confluence of conflicting needs and desires which led to a war no one wanted that killed hundreds. I was most struck by the Nez Perce efforts to avoid doing violence even to white settlers as they fled their homeland for safe haven.

It took about half of the book before I decided that I liked it. After that the reading was less of a struggle and Chief Joseph, himself, became the focus of the writing. If he were alive today, he would be a wonderful prospect for Secretary of State. What an amazing human being!