The road to the west

The novel "The Big Sky" was the path to fame for A. for. Gutrey Jr. Then came "The Road to the West," which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1950, confirming Gutrey Jr.'s importance.
About this novel, Bernard de Voto says: "The first pioneer of the West finally found his story."
Sterling North also says about it: "It contains in its material the horrors of cows, rushing waters, Indians, spotted serpents, whirlwinds, and terrifying mountain slopes."
"The Road to the West" is what a historical story should be