The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party: Updated Edition Hardcover – January 9, 2026

The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party: Updated Second EditionThe pioneers known as the Donner Party are remembered for their cannibalism. But there is much more to their saga. Marian Calabro has updated her award-winning Perilous Journey of the Donner Party with recently discovered information, fresh observations, and additional photos. These elements reveal new aspects of a timeless survival story. “Calabro neither shrinks from nor sensationalizes the difficult aspects of the story.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Praise for the First Edition“Truth is indeed as spellbinding as fiction. The research is meticulous and the telling, almost conversational in tone, is riveting.”—Boston Globe“Eerie and mesmerizing.”—Atlanta Journal-Constitution“Calabro draws the people of the story with a respectful hand, and her follow-up with descendants returns us full circle to our own lives, enriched with a new perspective. We were also impressed by the use of primary source material [and] the good index, bibiography, suggested reading lists, and lists of Donner Party members.” —California Library Association, Beatty Award Winner for the year’s best history book about CaliforniaAwards for The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party, First EditionAmerican Library Association Notable BookBooklist Editors’ ChoiceJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library Selection (Recommended Reading List)New York Public Library, Top 100 Books for Reading and SharingScholastic Book Club selectionVirginia Library Association, Best Books of the Year Read more