James Oliver Curwood 
Baree, Son of Kazan 

James Oliver Curwood (1878-1927) was an American novelist and conservationist. He studied English and journalism in his youth, and eventually saved enough money to travel to the Canadian northwest. This trip would provide inspiration for his wilderness adventure stories. By 1922, Curwood was such a success that he used his new wealth to build an 18th century French chateau in Owosso, Michigan, which remains today as a museum. ‘Baree, Son of Kazan’ is one of over 30 works in Curwood’s oeuvre, and is the sequel to his popular novel, ‘Kazan’, about a half dog, half wolf who must survive the wilderness with his she-wolf mate. Baree’s tale is one of survival as well, after he is separated from his parents as a young pup. He finds himself cared for by Nepeese, the daughter of a trapper, and a lifelong friendship ensues. This successful story is one of many that made Curwood, at one point, the highest paid author in the world.