I nominate The Oregon Trail, by Francis Parkman. This is the true story of a trip West in the US, published in 1847-49 in a magazine. Parkman is one of the best American writers and historians; when you combine his talents with the controversy and adventure of a trip through dangerous Indian territory, along with Parkman's irreverant, almost flip attitude and his marvellous eye for detail, you have a classic that will not be forgotten.
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