Volume I: Backbone of the World, 1822-1824 is a coming-of-age story of the first two years of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, 1822-24. It is told in his own words by Temple Buck, an Ohio-born lad whose rollicking tale begins with growing up in the Ohio wilderness, how he is kidnapped aboard evil Mike Fink's keelboat, is rescued by a beautiful St. Louis madam, and finally enlists in Ashley and Henry's first expedition up the Missouri River to the beaver-rich Rockies and a wealth of adventure and undreamed-of new experiences. This painstakingly researched tale blends historical and fictional characters in a colorful tapestry of actual events spiced with bloody battles, Indian customs and characters, homespun humor, and earthy romance. If you've ever wished for absolute freedom and hair-raising adventure in the early Old West, come along with Temple and his trapper companions and breathe the free, pure air of the Rocky Mountains!