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Cover of Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies

Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies

Written by H. L. (Harry Lincoln) Sayler

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AeronauticsHuntingCanadian Rockies (B.C. and Alta.)

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About this book

"Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies" by H. L. Sayler is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young aeronauts, Frank Graham and Phil Ewing, who embark on an exciting journey in their homemade monoplane, the "Loon". They set out to experience the thrill of flight while simultaneously attempting to hunt the elusive Bighorn sheep in the Rockies, highlighting the blend of youthful ambition and the spirit of exploration during that era. At the start of the novel, Frank and Phil are mid-flight in a thunderstorm, demonstrating their determination and adventure-seeking nature as they navigate using a compass in low visibility. Their night flight, a novel venture for young aviators, is filled with excitement and danger as they come close to crashing but manage to land safely in a muddy wheatfield. This gripping opening establishes their character and underscores the innovative spirit of early aviation, setting the stage for their subsequent adventures amidst the challenges of wilderness and wildlife in the Rocky Mountains.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • thrilling
  • exploratory

H. L. Sayler's "Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies" is an early 20th-century adventure novel chronicling the daring exploits of two young aeronauts, Frank Graham and Phil Ewing. Utilizing their homemade monoplane, the "Loon," they embark on an ambitious journey into the Canadian Rockies, blending the thrill of pioneering aviation with the challenge of hunting the elusive Bighorn sheep. The novel opens dramatically with the duo navigating a perilous thunderstorm in their aircraft, underscoring their determination and the inherent dangers of early flight. This gripping introduction establishes the protagonists' adventurous spirit and sets the stage for a narrative that explores themes of technological innovation, man versus nature, and youthful ambition against the backdrop of a wild, untamed frontier.

Key themes

Spirit of Exploration and Adventure
The novel centrally explores the human drive for discovery and adventure, particularly through the lens of youthful ambition. Frank and Phil's journey in their homemade monoplane epitomizes the desire to push boundaries, experience new thrills, and venture into uncharted territories, embodying a societal fascination with the unknown and the exotic during the era.
Technological Innovation and Early Aviation
The book highlights the groundbreaking nature of early 20th-century aviation and the optimism surrounding technological progress. The 'aeroplane in the Rockies' serves as a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and the potential for technology to conquer new frontiers, contrasting the man-made machine with the raw power of nature. It captures the public's fascination with flight as a new and daring mode of travel and exploration.
Man vs. Nature
A core conflict in the novel is the struggle between human ambition and the formidable power of the natural world. The title's 'Battling the Bighorn' explicitly sets up this confrontation, further emphasized by the challenges of navigating a thunderstorm, landing in a muddy field, and operating in the 'wilderness' of the Rocky Mountains. The story explores both the beauty and the danger of untamed nature, and man's persistent drive to master or coexist with it.

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How does the novel reflect the public's perception and excitement surrounding early aviation in the early 20th century?

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