In the early 1800s, Kit Carson was one of the most famous mountain men in the American West. He was also an accomplished writer, and his books about his life and adventures are still popular today. Here are some of the best books about Kit Carson:
1. The Life and Adventures of Kit Carson, by Deane F. Keim. This is a classic biography of Carson, first published in 1859. It’s based on interviews with Carson himself, and provides a detailed account of his life and exploits.
2. Kit Carson and the Wild West, by Stanley Vestal. This book, first published in 1932, is a more critical look at Carson’s life. Vestal paints him as a man who was often ruthless and brutal, but also as a skilled negotiator and frontiersman.
3. The Man Who Killed the Deer, by Frank Waters. This novel, based on a true story, tells of Carson’s involvement in the 1864 massacre of a peaceful Navajo tribe. It’s a controversial book that presents a different side of Carson than the other two books.
4. Kit Carson: A Portrait in Courage, by David Dary. This is a more recent biography of Carson, published in 2002. Dary presents a more balanced view of Carson, highlighting both his good and bad qualities.
5. The Adventures of Kit Carson, by Mark Twain. This is a fictionalized account of Carson’s life, first published in 1872. Twain’s Carson is a larger-than-life figure, and the book is an enjoyable read.
These are just a few of the many books about Kit Carson. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating figure, be sure to check out some of these titles.