(From first publication back cover). The Captain's Dog: a view of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Parts I, II, III, (and IV), is an exciting adventure story of an American canine hero, Seaman. Robert Scott McKinnon's version of The Expedition is based in large part on his having traveled the continent by rivers and 31 years as an English teacher, picking the brains of Montana history teachers during prep periods.
The discerning reader will find various forms of satire, such as found in Part II Chapter 28: "The Ass." The expedition finally reaches the area which is now Dillon, Montana; they must travel the Rockies before snow falls; they are not going to survive without horses. The Snake Indians, fortunately, have beautiful horses, but in a surprise move in which Lewis appears to be the last to know, the Snake are leaving in the morning. Seaman finds himself center stage as the men hurriedly scrutinize the herd, at which time they notice mules here and there among the horses. But where is the donkey? You can't have a mule if you don't have a donkey.
McKinnon has played professional banjo for fifty years to all kinds of audiences. It follows that Seaman does not share the expedition's enthusiasm for Pierre Cruzatte's fiddle concerts.
The discerning reader will find various forms of satire, such as found in Part II Chapter 28: "The Ass." The expedition finally reaches the area which is now Dillon, Montana; they must travel the Rockies before snow falls; they are not going to survive without horses. The Snake Indians, fortunately, have beautiful horses, but in a surprise move in which Lewis appears to be the last to know, the Snake are leaving in the morning. Seaman finds himself center stage as the men hurriedly scrutinize the herd, at which time they notice mules here and there among the horses. But where is the donkey? You can't have a mule if you don't have a donkey.
McKinnon has played professional banjo for fifty years to all kinds of audiences. It follows that Seaman does not share the expedition's enthusiasm for Pierre Cruzatte's fiddle concerts.
