"The Buffalo Runners: A Tale of the Red River Plains" is a children's adventure novel set in the American Old West by Scottish author R. M. Ballantyne. Full of thrilling action, terrible danger, and intrepid heroism, "The Buffalo Runners" will appeal to children with an interest in history and would make for a worthy addition to collections of vintage Western literature. Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825 - 1894) was a Scottish author of children's fiction. He was a prolific writer and produced over 100 books in his lifetime. As well as being an author, Ballantyne was also an accomplished artist, having exhibited his work at the Royal Scottish Academy. Other notable works by this author include: "The Coral Island" (1858), "The Gorilla Hunters" (1861), and "The Eagle Cliff" (1889). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction and biography of the author. This book was first published in 1861.

Top five Best Books About Running, Runner's World Magazine Top three Best Books About Running, readers of Runner's World Magazine (December 2009) A phenomenal portrait of courage and desire that will do for college cross-country what John Feinstein's A Season on the Brink did for college basketball.

‘The Buffalo Runners’ is a pioneering adventure story by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne. Set in Canada, a country where Ballantyne had lived, worked, and adventured as a young man, the story is full of realistic details no doubt drawn from the author’s own experiences. The tale centres around a new settlement which is trying to establish itself in a hostile and as yet unsettled part of Canada. The community must contend with all sorts of dangers – from plagues of locusts, to kidnappings and famine - this is an adventure story full of the extremes of pioneer life. R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Native American guide Jane Whitefield returns from retirement to the world of the runner determined to hide a young pregnant girl who has been tracked across the country by a team of hired hunters.

In 'Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata' by R. M. Ballantyne, readers are taken on an exciting adventure filled with danger, suspense, and personal reflection. The novel follows the story of a man named Jack, who finds himself stranded on a volcanic island after a shipwreck. As he navigates the challenges of survival, readers are immersed in Ballantyne's descriptive writing style that brings the setting to life. Set in the 19th century, the book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ballantyne's attention to detail and vivid imagery make this novel a captivating read for anyone interested in adventure literature. R. M. Ballantyne, a Scottish author known for his adventure stories, drew inspiration for 'Blown to Bits' from his own experiences as a sailor. His firsthand knowledge of the sea and survival at sea adds authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling and realistic read. Ballantyne's storytelling skill and character development make him a noteworthy figure in the genre of adventure fiction. I highly recommend 'Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata' to readers who enjoy classic adventure tales with elements of suspense, survival, and self-discovery. Ballantyne's thrilling narrative and well-developed characters will keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.