The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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1778-1838
United States Congressman and fur trader whose "rendezvous" system of trading is credited with revolutionizing the fur trade and encouraging explorations of the American West. In 1820 Ashley became the first lieutenant governor in the state of Missouri. Ashley cofounded the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in 1822, and established an annual rendezvous—an open-air wilderness market where trappers could bring their furs to the company at the end of the season and purchase from the company the supplies needed for the coming year. Ashley served as a congressman from 1831 until his death.