Crazy-White-Man (Sha-ga-na-she Wa-du-kee)

“a book that is a little classic of the rugged life.” Chicago Tribune

Have you dreamed of stepping off the treadmill of work and leaving behind the tedious office job?

Unhappy with his life in New York, Richard Morenus did just that.

Taking along his dog and some equipment he left the humdrum life in the city for the wilderness.

When he first arrived in the beautiful backwoods of Canada some Native Americans saw how unprepared he was for his new life and gave him the name Sha-ga-na-she Wa-du-kee, which translates to Crazy-White-Man.

The first few months of his life in the bitter cold of a Canadian winter were a fight for survival for Morenus, but as the years went by he became more competent and began to thrive in the beautiful landscape.

Crazy-White-Man is a brilliant account of Richard Morenus’ search for a new life in the Canadian wilderness. It is told in a down-to-earth style that is sure to appeal to any reader who dreams of an adventure.

“As a story of the indomitable spirit of men and women pitted against the overwhelming forces of nature, ‘Crazy-White-Man’ is an inspiring one; as a tale of pure adventure, it will be hard to put down.” Chicago Tribune

“Respect for Mr. Morenus’ courage and hardihood grows with every page we read . . . it emerges as a valuable addition to the small number of books about the Canadian bush.” The New York Times

“Anyone from young to old who has wanted to toss the soft life of today into the discard and live as our ancestors did will enjoy this book. To those who have lived under frontier conditions it will be equally refreshing—and that cannot be said for many of this type.” Colorado Spring Free Press

“one of the best tales of escape from city pressures … It is a vivid close-up of the Ontario bush—written down with the vividness and gaiety of a man who knew he was free.” Christian Science Monitor

Richard Morenus was a New York writer for radio and magazines when he left his old life for a new one in the wilderness of Ontario. He spent the next six years of his life there. His book Crazy-White-Man was first published in 1956 and he passed away in 1968.