Shepherds of the Wild by Edison Marshall

Name: Shepherds of the Wild
Author: Edison Marshall

"Shepherds of the Wild" by Edison Marshall follows the story of Spread Horn, a majestic bull elk living in the rugged wilderness of Smoky Land, Idaho. The narrative begins with Spread Horn navigating his environment, showcasing his awareness of danger and the natural rhythms of the wild. The story contrasts the life of the elk with that of Hugh Gaylord, a young man from the city who is sent to the wilderness by the Old Colonel, a seasoned sportsman, to find purpose and strength through the challenges of nature. As Hugh struggles with his identity and the discomforts of camp life, he encounters the wilderness's beauty and danger, including the elusive cougar known as Broken Fang. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, the primal connection to nature, and the transformation that can occur when one confronts the wild. Ultimately, the story juxtaposes the lives of the wild creatures with Hugh's journey, highlighting the potential for personal growth through immersion in the untamed world.

By Edison Marshall · First published 1926 · Genre: Adventure, Nature Writing, Fiction · 31 chapters · 80,485 words

First lines

The mouth of the canyon was darkened with shadows when the bull elk came stealing down the brown trail through the dusky thicket. In all this mountain realm, a land where the wild things of the forest still held sway, there was no creature of more majestic bearing or noble beauty. He was full-grown; his great antlers swept back over his powerful shoulders; and it was evident from his carriage that he had no fear of such enemies as might be lurking in the gloomy canyon. For it was known far through the forest that even the great puma or the terrible grizzly, unless they had the advantage of ambush, treated Spread Horn with considerable respect.

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Shepherds of the Wild is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edison Marshall, dated 1926 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edison Marshall
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Nature Writing, Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction
Length: 80,485 words
Structure: 31 chapters, 973 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Adventure — The plot centers around exploration and the challenges faced in the wild.
Nature Writing — The themes focus on the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account that explores human experiences.
Drama — The story likely includes emotional conflicts and character development.

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