The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party: Updated Edition
The 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. Published by HistoryWords Media.
Purchase on Amazon.com (all formats)
Purchase on Bookshop.org (hardcover, softcover, ebook)
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 neither shrinks from nor sensationalizes the difficult aspects of the story.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“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, bibliography, suggested reading lists, and lists of Donner Party members.”—California Library Association
Awards for The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party, First Edition
- American Library Association Notable Book
- Booklist Editors’ Choice
- California Library Association, Beatty Award Winner for the year’s best history book about California
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Selection (Recommended Reading List)
- New York Public Library, Top 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
- Scholastic Book Club selection
- Virginia Library Association, Best Books of the Year
Zoom Program
The Real Story of the Donner Party
Marian Calabro, author of the award-winning Perilous Journey of the Donner Party and commentator on The Travel Channel and NPR, offers a fascinating program that reveals new aspects of this timeless survival story.
“Thanks so much, Marian! Your Zoom program was a huge success. You are such a great storyteller.”
— Kansas Historical Society
“Held our attention every minute! The high point of our Teaching American History conference.”
— Professor Francis O’Malley, University of Delaware
“Calabro weaves together excellent maps, dozens of historic photographs, pioneer letters, and contemporary accounts to tell a grim tale of human bravery and endurance against unimaginable odds.”
— Illinois Heritage
- Program Format: Live on Zoom.
- Duration (your choice): 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
- Pricing: Starts at $125. Discounts for qualified nonprofits.
- Style: Visual and interactive.
- Customized for your audience: alumni associations, book clubs, community education, continuing care communities, historical societies. libraries, museums, school groups (age 12-up), and senior centers.
- Special features: Choose a Donner Party member identity and discover your character’s fate at the end. Share the author’s research journeys and creative process. Live Q&A.
Free Donner Party Resource List (PDF)
