Allan W. Eckert has died at the age of 80 on July 7. (It was initially reported that he “died in his sleep.” Please see comment below from his widow, Nancy).
Eckert was the author of “The Frontiersmen,” and numerous other works of frontier narrative history. “The Frontiersmen,” along with “The Lord of the Rings” and the stories of Robert E. Howard and Will Henry, were my most important formative influences. Thus, I raise a horn with great gratitude to the shade of a master storyteller.
It is through “The Frontiersmen” that most folks know of the magnificent career of the great frontier partisan Simon Kenton. Thank you, Allan W. Eckert, for the works you left us, the trails you marked out for us and the hours of immersion in the lost world of the Eastern Frontier of the United Sates.
John Cornelius says
When I was about 13 years old, the Outdoor News Book Club featured “The Frontiersmen” as their Book of the Month, so naturally, I received a copy. The book was newly published (1967), and for me a fascinating view into the brutal reality of life on the eastern frontier. Having been raised on TV’s versions of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, it was startling and not a little disturbing to have my perspective shifted so dramatically. I read and re-read the book several times over the next few years.
The real story started about a decade after I first got the book, when my “little” brother, Jim Cornelius, was old enough to read the book, probably about the same age that I was when I first received it. I am not sure if Jim consumed the book, or if the book consumed him, but it was truly a life-changing event for him, as it lit a fire that burns to this day.
That old copy is still somewhere around, with the covers falling off, having launched a lifelong passion. I salute you, A.W.E. for a lifetime of great narratives, especially this semi-biography of a previously unknown frontier legend. May you find peace in the happy hunting grounds.
John Cornelius
Nancy Eckert says
Thank you. Allan wants you – and others – to know that he did not die in his sleep. He went to bed to die. He was a person who wanted to be in control of himself – he was also a very sweet man, caring, kind and generous.
My website has been defunct for years as has Allan’s, but I like it anyway – http://www.allaneck.com/
Allan preferred writing what he called Nature Novels. His magnum opus narrative was A Sorrow in Our Heart: The Life of Tecumseh. His best work was probably the last in the series: That Dark and Bloody River: Chronicles of the Ohio River Valley.
Warm regards, Nancy Eckert
JimC says
Thank you, Nancy. It is a wonderful thing for a writer to leave the kind of legacy Allan left. He touched many, many lives and honored our nation’s history in a most profound way.
Lane Batot says
I was mortified to read this–I hadn’t realized one of my FAVORITE authors had passed away. He did an incredibly valuable thing writing historical novels in a realistic way and making those stories live again for all of us. And I loved his Nature stories too–one of my alltime favorites is “The Crossbreed” about the half bobcat/half housecat and it’s epic journey across America’s heartland to return to his home. And I always liked the T. V. series “Wild Kingdom” episodes that he wrote the narration for! No question Mr. Eckert was a major influence in my growing up–and still is! And always will be……
drew schrim says
01-20-2013 without a doubt last year was the worst year in american history,so far.when i talk about things i have read in Mr. Eckert’s books so many people are stunned because they know so little about our sad and wicked beginings as a nation.it has been years since i read his series on america but his narratives are still vivid pictures in my mind.almost nothing the U.S.congress does surprises me.Mr. Eckert’s books with footnotes are moe acurate than any text books in american schools today.
J Mc Mullen says
While working at an auto factory during pm downtime a co-worker handed me a very worn copy of the Frontiersman. I became consumed with a desire to read everything written by Allan W. Eckert. I read and read everything I could find by Mr. Eckert. This led me to other books such as Drums Along The Mohawk and Mystique Warrior. Thank you, Mr. Eckert for many joyful and sad hours of escape.
With Sorrow,
JBM
Russell R Bradford says
Allan W Eckert was the greatest author of early America. “Frontiersmen” was his greatest book, but it was followed by others such as “Wilderness Empire”. It is through his books, that I learned American History. Without a doubt, he was the best, he will be missed.
JimC says
He started many folks down this path…
V M Shields says
Living in Ohio and tramping around the lush timberlands of the southeast, fiording the waters and tracking the abundant wildlife has been a pleasure of mine for over 57 years. Having read some of Ohio’s history I was aware of the many trials of it’s inhabitants as the “settlers” came to America. On devouring “The Frontiersman” I travel through the land with new eyes, a bittersweet appreciation, and a wonder if I am treading on the footprints of these courageous men – both red and white. Thank you Mr. Eckert.
JimC says
Yes, indeed — he ripped the veil off a largely forgotten history and allowed us to see it vividly.
Thanks for stopping by the campfire!