CityViews 10/02/12: An Unvarnished View of Westward Expansion/The West in Contemporary Writing

Segment 1:

The prospect of California gold compelled a quarter of a million travelers to venture west in search of riches and adventure. But, as historian Will Bagley notes, it wasn’t all heroism. A lot of heartache and sacrifice accompanied the westward migration and the gold rush had a disastrous effect on America’s Native peoples. On Tuesday, we’ll speak with Bagley about how the migration transformed the American West for good and ill.

Guest:

• Will Bagley, historian

Will Bagley presents a reading and book signing of “With Golden Visions Bright Before Them” on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Ken Sanders Rare Books, 268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City.

Segment 2:

Following in the footsteps of Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner and Willa Cather, a new generation of writers is embracing the rugged Western landscape in their writing and they’ve found a local press which shares their passion. On Tuesday, we learn about the Torrey House Press and writing in the new West.

Guests:

• Erica Olsen, “Recapture & Other Stories”
• Kirsten Allen, Torrey House Press

A panel discussion featuring Utah authors Maximilian Werner, Steven Peck, Barbara Richardson and Erica Olsen will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. The discussion will address the role of Western landscapes in their writing and lives.

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