Description
Book SynopsisProvides a fascinating biography of François Vallé (1716-1783), placing him within the context of his place and time. Carl Ekberg focuses on Upper Louisiana in colonial times, vividly capturing the ambience of life in the eighteenth-century frontier agricultural society that Vallé inhabited, shedding new light on the French and Spanish colonial regimes in Louisiana.
Trade ReviewThe success of this biography lies in Ekberg’s use of the events of his interesting life as windows into
Upper Louisiana before Lewis and Clark, an apt subtitle.
Francois Valle and His World is an outstanding introduction to this world. Those who wish to begin learning about the Mississippi Valley before the English-speakers put in an appearance would do well to begin with this volume, because it teaches the relevant history clearly and entertainingly."" -
Arkansas Historical Quarterly""This valuable study will at long last rescue the Vallés from the shadows of the better-known Chouteaus of St. Louis and bring Ste. Genevieve’s preeminent French Creole family the recognition it rightly deserves. François Vallé’s story is remarkable. This book is characterized by a richness of detail that carries the reader into another time and place."" - William E. Foley, author of
Wilderness Journey: The Life of William Clark
